Re: Genetic Effects of Radiation

[John Goldsmith <gjohn@bgumail.bgu.ac.il>]

John Goldsmith comments:
	An exceptionally well organized and presented set of findings on 
possible genetic effects of A-Bomb radiation is presented in a recently 
published book "Effects of A-Bomb Radiation on the Human Body" edited by 
Shigematsu and published by Harwood Academic publishers. Translated from a 
report of the Hiroshima International Council for Medical Care of the Radiation 
Exposed, it speaks of fertility.."No difference was observed between the 
exposed and control populations with respsect to fertility, abortion, 
premature birth and still birth."  Concerning genetic effects, "Early 
studies which were restricted to indices such as dominant lethal effects 
and malformations etc among the offspring of atomic bomb survivors, and 
even later studies that covered 40 years following exposure revealed no 
positive evidence of genetic effects being produced by atomic bomb 
radiation."  There is some evidence of chromosomal changes and 
biochemical indicators of mutation.
	Stigmatization is also a problem for survivors of the Chernobyl
accident according to our studies of immigrants to Israel from the affected
areas.  We feel that public information as to the true long-term risks--to
the extent that we do have good evidence on them--has not been given 
adequate attention  and we are currently trying to prepare clear and factual 
material to help counter the exaggerations which lead to such social problems.
                John Goldsmith <gjohn@bgumed.bgu.ac.il>
  On Mon, 31 
Jul 1995, Mcelrath Susan S. wrote:

> 
> In the most recent National Geographic there is an article on the A-bombings 
> in Japan. It was interesting to note that the article said (my paraphrase) 
> A-bomb survivors were discriminated against occupationally (bad health, risk 
> of cancer) and "socially" due to the fear of genetic effects in offspring if 
> a spouse is an A-bomb survivor. The article even went on to say families of 
> engaged couples sometimes hired private investigators to find out if their 
> future in-laws were A-bomb survivors.
> 
> I wonder if the populations studied for genetic effects of ionizing 
> radiation were smaller than normal because A-bomb survivors didn't produce 
> offspring at a normal rate - not because of physical damage, but because 
> they couldn't find a willing mate. I don't see the issue specifically 
> addressed in BEIR V. (If it is and I missed it please enlighten me.) Could 
> it be there were only a few isolated incidents of "social" discrimination so 
> it wasn't a significant factor?, or is this a new twist on the way genetic 
> effects are studied?
>