[DOB ARCHIVES
pt see
Commenting on the basis for this recommendation, Dr. Bond stated
"There has been considerable controversy over the data on the biological |”!
effects of exposure of the fetus.
Some of this data comes from studies
of the effects of fetal irradiation incurred in pelvimetry (x-ray study beh,
of the pelvis).
At present, one cannot say definitely that such fetal irradiation:
is capable alone of producing an increased indicence of cancer or leukemia, «
but, on the other hand, we cannot say that lesser exposure is incapable
of causing these effects.
Thus, the
Council had only one course open to
it and that was to make the conservative assumption that the low doses associated
with pelvimetry are capable of producing increased incidence.
This led
to the recommendations restricting exposure of the fetus."
In the chapter on specific radiation effects, the new report deals
with the induction of thyroid tumors by irradiation stating, “Only in the
case of thyroid tumors is the evidence more than suggestive.
Recent studies
of the Marshallese [Marshall islanders] have shown the thyroid to be probably
more senstive than previously considered.
incidence of these
A Significant increment in the
tumors has been reported where x irradiation of the thymus
gland and surrounding areas of thebody of infants has been administered
in exposures of the order of 200 R and higher" (page 38).
In connection with radiation exposure to others from patients
who have been given radioactive materials, the new report summarizes the
very detailed recommendations on this topic set out in NCRP report No. 37
which was
published in 1970.
The new report states (page 103):
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