Nuclear Statistics

Ralph Nader’s Public Citizen group is clearly misusing nuclear plant statistics (“Record Exposure of Workers to Radiation Cited--and Disputed,” Part A, April 11). The data actually show that nuclear workers’ average exposures are at an all-time low, while the electricity produced by these plants is at an all-time high. The Nader group’s exaggerated claims of radiation exposures at nuclear plants is a vain attempt to derail this much-needed source of energy.

As a radiation scientist who has worked at these plants, I would like to point out that nuclear workers receive relatively small amounts of radiation. The amount (390 units per year) is comparable to what the average American receives from natural sources (300 units). Natural sources include radioactive minerals in the soil and cosmic rays from outer space. This natural radiation is considered safe, and so is that received by nuclear workers.

JOEL R. CEHN

Oakland