REPRESENTING RADIATION RISK

Abstract

In lieu of an abstract the first paragraph:

Consisting of moving subatomic particles, radioactivity is invisible, has no smell and makes no sound. Its presence can only be detected with Geiger counters and other measuring instruments. Its transformations and symptoms are more real to us: the iconic mushroom cloud of a nuclear bomb, barrels of nuclear waste, cancer increases in exposed populations, or contaminated wastelands. Recognition of radioactive risk, or its denial, depends on those who employ the measuring instruments, assess cancer or toxicity rates, or set safety standards. In a society greatly relying on empirical evidence and technical expertise, it is scientists who have first access to knowledge about radioactivity.