It is the last result that is of the greatest concern, because
cell division results in increasing the population of new cells. If the
mutation occures in somatic
outcomes:
(body) cells, there are three possible
Mutation in the somatic cells of embryos may leac to
embryo death
( spontaneous abortion or miscarriage), or embryopathy
{abnormal development), whereas mutations in adult tissues are
believed to result in malignacies and are possibly involved in the
aging process.
Finally, mutations in gametic cells can lead to ab-
normal gametes
(eggs or sperm cells) or sterility, both of which are
forms of reproductive toxicity.
If the mutant gametes are viable,
the subsequent fertilization can result in embryo death, embryopathy,
or some hereditary effects.
The Loma Linda Proposal presents suggested evidence of radiationrelated effects in the Marshallese.
As seen in Table 4 of the Pro-
posal, of the 17 leading causes of death in the Marshall Islands,
1974 to 1976, cancer is tied with cerebrovascular diseases as the
leading cause of death.
Prematurity
(a form of embryopathy)
next and third leading cause of death.
is the
In addition concential
defects accounted for 3.3% of all deaths, indicating the substantial
severity of these defects.
At present, the greatest need is both for studies involving
large scale genetic analyses of the Marshallese and for more diversified, specific studies of those exposed.
Results from both of these
efforts would contribute significantly to the interpretation of and
correlation with isolated findings.
Presently, genetic screeing
techniques should be regarded as the best instrument for detecting
genetic injury at a stage when corrective action can be taken for the
benefit of affected individuals.