[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): |