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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
The International Council operates as a standing subcommittee under the ANS External Affairs Committee’s (EAC) direction in order to:
1. Enrich the information exchange among nuclear experts worldwide.
2. Advise ANS on international developments and ensure that ANS is recognized internationally.
3. Stimulate and coordinate the cooperation of ANS with other internationally operating nuclear and non-nuclear organizations.
4. Position ANS as the recognition point for nuclear science and technology advocacy practices in support of the international objectives of safe, secure, and affordable uses of nuclear science and technology.
Last modified March 19, 2024, 11:02am CDT
