104

EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION

ness should be observed and bland, watersoluble
lotions may be applied. Infections should be
treated with antibiotics as may be indicated.
A similar situation pertains with regard to
the internal radiation hazard. Certain chelating agents and chemical compounds such as
EDT.A* and zirconiumcitrate have shown considerable promise in animals both in preventing
deposition of certain of the fission products in
the bones and in accelerating their removal
following deposition. The earlier these compounds are given following exposure, the more
effective they are. However, as indicated above,
it is doubtful that the need for such agents in
the acute period following an attack would be
great.

The following additional suggestions regarding the care of bomb casualties are submitted
for consideration. Although civil defense organizations in general have made great strides,
it is apparent that even with a well-integrated
plan some degree of chaos will be present and
early aid to many victims will not be forthcoming. Hence, the importance of self-aid and
mutual-aid in effecting survival must be
stressed. Doctors and medical facilities of any
kind will be in critical short supply ; thus, training of lay individuals in more definitive treatment, rather than only first aid, deserves careful consideration. Since accurate prediction of
where a bomb will fall is impossible, central
civil defense organization in critical target
areas should be augmented by a “cellular” plan,
a plan of geographical units within the area
that are essentially self-sufficient in terms of
supplies and communications, and which can
render aid to other cells damaged by the bomb.
Thinking in terms of damage within a target
area adequately handled by the facilities of the
region must be replaced with consideration of
possible complete immobilization of facilities,
with resultant dependence on adjacent nonatfected regions foraid.
*di Na salt of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid.

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6.8

Potential Long Term Effects

THE Lona Term effects of radiation on man
have been the subject of an exhaustive survey
by panels convened by the National Academy
of Sciences (26, 27). Accordingly there is no
need to review the subject in detail. The effects
are dose dependent. The quantitative relationship of dose to effect in man is not well
known. The following qualitative long term
effects have been observed in animals:
1) Shortening of life span
2) Increased incidence of mutations
3) Increased incidence of leukemia and other

benign and malignant tumors

4) Cataracts
5) Cardiovascular renal diseases

6) Sterility or lowered fertility

7) Impaired growth rate
In some of the survivors from the atomic
bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki the following have been definitely observed:
1) Cataracts

2) Leukemia
3) Impaired growth patterns in somechildren
Intensive study of the exposed population at
Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a continuing activity of the Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission
as is the study of the Marshallese who were exposed to fallout. In the absence of quantitative
dose response data for man, it is impossible to
prognosticate, with certainty, what, if anything,
will develop in the exposed Marshallese. Al]
of the phenomena enumerated above that have
been observed in animals are being searched for
by the medical team, that has undertaken the
continuing care and study of the Marshallese

on behalf of the Atomic Energy Commission.

Annual studies are being performed and will be
reported upon at regular intervals.

6.9

Summary and Conclusions

ALTHOUGH THE Frinprincs in human beings exposed to fallout radiations in the spring, 1954
Pacific field tests cannot be carried over exactly

Select target paragraph3