Too few people understand that exposure to radiation is less likely to cause large-scale damage, death, and injury than many of the conventional hazards we have faced for years.

For example:

• More than 40,000 people die on our nation's highways each year.
• More than 6,000 deaths result annually from fires.
• An even greater number of injuries and deaths are caused by other accidents such as falling down stairs.

Unlike incidents involving radiation exposure, these accidents are familiar and understandable.