WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is quietly trying to weaken radiation rules, relying on scientific outliers who argue that a little radiation damage is actually good for you — like a little bit of sunlight.
That proposed change would be a departure from decades-old guidance that any exposure is a cancer risk. Critics say it could lead to higher levels of exposure for workers at nuclear installations and oil and gas drilling sites, medical workers doing X-rays and CT scans, and other individuals who might be exposed to radiation releases.
The Trump administration already has targeted a range of other regulations on toxins and pollutants that it sees as costly for businesses. Supporters of the new proposal argue the government's current no-tolerance rule for radiation forces unnecessary spending for handling exposure.