Letter: Series on nuclear radiation was sensationalized

As a radiation biologist, I have invested my life doing experiments to help define the health effects of radiation. The overly dramatized articles in the Tri-City Herald, The Bellingham Herald (Dec. 13) and a chain of McClatchy newspapers across the U.S. were of great concern. The authors (Hotakainen, Wise, Matt, and Ehlinger of the McClatchy Washington Bureau) sensationalized their story.

As a credible radiation scientist with decades of experience, I would like to challenge the McClatchy group to an open debate on the influence of low dose and dose rate on cancer risk. We could use a standard debate format, and invite the public and other interested individuals to attend. This would be a newsworthy event. I am especially interested in their discussions on the risks from plutonium, since this has been one of my major areas of experimentation and research. I can help arrange the debate in the Tri-Cities, or if they prefer, another venue. I will be happy to be involved.

I will address questions from the public, email me at tbrooks@tricity.wsu.edu and I will respond.

This story was originally published December 29, 2015 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Letter: Series on nuclear radiation was sensationalized."