ABSTRACT

This chapter shows that individual sensitivity to workplace hazards is a fact of life. Amendments to the systems of regulation and control based on individual sensitivity, including aspects of lifestyle would inevitably cost, both for the operation of the system itself, and in relation to its operation in industry and life in general. Differing individual sensitivities to ionising radiations have been discussed and indeed demonstrated for very many years. The fact that there were differences between patients in their response to ionising radiotherapy has long been demonstrated in the clinic. The issues of synergy between lifestyle factors and sensitivity to occupational hazards appear to add a further major need for ethical consideration of the matter. The plea for clarity extends beyond considerations of cost into the actual basis of the system of regulation adopted. Scientific evaluation of the mechanism of sensitivity is vital, leading to a consideration of a dose response for the effect.