Excessive exposure to radiation can be harmful to humans. Scientists are generally not yet certain what specific health effects may be expected from exposure to extremely low doses of low-level radiation over prolonged periods of time. Unless properly established, it is prudent to assumes that there is no threshold of exposure below which radiation may not adversely effect human health. We are always exposed to naturally occurring background radiation, with little or no control. Widespread use of manmade radiation is a relatively recent phenomenon. Within the state of our knowledge, exposure to manmade radiation needs to be properly managed and controlled. Much of our exposure to manmade radiation comes from electronic products and medical devices. Various forms of radiation comes from a broad range of products and devices including in small part televisions, foods, X-ray machines, electron microscopes, biochemical and medical analyzers, tanning and therapeutic lamps, welding equipment, dryers, ovens, heaters, and cellular telephones. In some cases, such as x-ray radiation, radiation is designed to be controlled for a useful purpose. In most electronic devices radiation is an undesired by product.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the responsibility for carrying out an electronic product radiation control program mandated by the Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act. Through it's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the FDA sets and enforces standards of performance for electronic products to help assure that radiation emissions from them do not pose a hazard to public health. Part of the FDA functions is to establish and carry out an electronic product radiation control program designed to protect the public health and safety from electronic product radiation. The agency develops and administer performance standards for electronic products to minimize the exposure of unnecessary electronic product radiation to people.

The public and scientific debate will continue regarding the safety of various radiation producing products on human health. Incidences of harmful radiation exposure can occur at work, at home, or throughout the community. Moreover, and in addition to government regulation, a citizen may have a right to take individual action against the producer of a harmful product through court action. Issues of liability can be complex and tricky, and require legal, technical, and medical assistance.

Legal claims involving harmful radiation can involve complex legal and technical issues. The following are a few important legal, factual and evidentiary matters that should be considered when evaluating a claim:

• Have you been advised in any manner that you have been exposed to harmful radiation?

• Has information come to your attention that you may have been exposed to harmful radiation?

• Does your job increase your risk to exposure to harmful radiation?

• When. Where, and what were the circumstances of your exposure?

• What evidence do you have that you were exposed to harmful radiation?

• What specific product, device, or event exposed you to harmful radiation?

• Did you purchase the product? If so, do you have purchase documents?

• Has a doctor indicated that you have been injured, have, or will suffer an illness due to exposure to harmful radiation?

• Are you aware of other incidence of exposure to other people?

It is important that an experienced legal team evaluate all product hazard claims. Complex legal, factual, and evidentiary issues may be involved. If you, a loved one, or friend are injured or suffer illness because of harmful exposure to radiation, you should take immediate steps to protect your or their interest. Do not compromise your rights by making statements to the press, insurance investigators, potential defendants, their representatives, and do not sign anything. Consider the suggestions in our accident guide, and call us immediately. We are here to help. At Larry King, P.C., we recognize the unique issues pertaining to your claim. You can call us at (757) 595-8100 seven days a week, 24 hours a day, everyday of the year. We also offer a free legal-infoline service, and you can now contact us on this web site by using our Personal Injury Contact form. We are committed to doing the extra things it takes to help our clients. If you would like to know more, make a selection from the above box.