1.1 History

Ionizing radiation became known as such in the 1890's with the work by Roengten with x-rays and by the Curies with radium. Shortly thereafter, the French scientist Henri Bequerel determined that the red spot on his stomach was caused by "x rays" emanating from the radioactive material used as his watch fob. During the 90 years or so since that time, there have been many studies of radiation effects, much development of measuring devices, and establishment of many regulations. Notable items include the study in the mid-1900's of x-ray effects on rabbit skin, study in the mid 1920's of effects of ingested radium in dial painters, study since the mid-1940's of A-bomb survivors, invention of ionization chamber dose measuring devices, invention of the Geiger-Mueller detector, passage of the Atomic Energy Act of 1946 (the first major control legislation in this country), etc. Particular mention should be made of the fruit fly genetics experiment which resulted in a Nobel Prize for Herman Mueller, and the Mega-mouse experiment which determined genetic and somatic effects of low-level radiation on many successive generations of laboratory mice. The result of the 90 years of studies is that ionizing radiation is one of the most studied, most understood, and most regulated hazards to mankind.

1.2 Safety

Some concept of safety is instilled into all humans early in life. However, the simple concept which many persons seem to have needs to be broadened. Safety involves minimization of harm and potential for harm to the individual. Absolute prevention of harm is, of course, impossible in the real world. However, the term "safety", as used at OSU, also involves minimizing actual and potential harm to the individual's work, to other individuals nearby and their work, to facilities and equipment, to the general environs, and to the University. Minimizing harm to the University is often not considered; however, time and money spent in responding to regulatory agencies and possibly to lawsuits caused by improper actions of individuals at OSU must be taken away from activities, thus being detrimental to all concerned. In addition, it is not enough to keep persons, work, and facilities from harm; one must also be able to prove that this was done. Thus, records are mandatory. Safety at OSU involves both keeping things from unwarranted actual or potential unwarranted harm, and also being able to prove that it was done.