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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
Harry J. Otway, Ronald K. Lohrding, Morris E. Battat
Nuclear Technology | Volume 11 | Number 3 | July 1971 | Pages 323-330
Technical Paper | Nuclear Explosion Engineering / Nuclear Explosive | doi.org/10.13182/NT71-A30865
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A method is presented for estimating the risk to the public from an underground Plowshare detonation, with a sample application to a hypothetical gas storage experiment. The method considers the probability of fission-product release as well as the frequencies of various wind and weather conditions. The fission-product release vs probability relationships were determined by a statistical analysis of applicable Nevada Test Site data, using a multivariate discriminate analysis technique. These relationships may be applied to most Plowshare underground engineering applications with the exception of those in media having formation pressure, such as natural gas stimulation. Results of the sample application indicate that the risks to the public from a Plowshare detonation are very small and that consideration should be given to executing experiments without planning for specific weather conditions.