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DASA 2019-2

Ex..mination of the lens for possible opacities has not revealed any
evidence of radiation-induced opacities of the lens. Remember, of
course, that the Marshallese didn't get neutron radiation, which has
a much higher RBE for opacity than gamma radiation.
We haven't carried out any specific studies of genetic effects, particularly in view of the generally negative result of the studies cf
Neal and Schull (Reference 17) and others in Japan. I'm sure there
must be an increase in the mutant pool of these people and we have
seen evidence of chromosome damage in the peripheral blood cells.
We have cultured their blood and found an increase over the normal
in the number of chromosomal aberrations.

FREMONT-SMITH: Were these persistent?
CONARD:

Yes.

This was ten yeare alter exposure.

FREMONT-SMITIH:

CONARD:

You don't know what they were earlier?

We didn't test them cartier.

MILLER: More than the Hiroshima survivors?
CONARD:

Yes.

I was going to say that also in the Hiroshima sur-

vivors and in the sapanese fishermen there's been a persisting increased level of chromosomal aberrations. So Il suppose we would
have to expect that there are genetic mutations. that exist in these

people.

Perhaps Bill might say something about that.

FREMONT~SMITH:

CONARD:

At least in the blood cella.

Yes.

FREMONT-SMITH:
the genes.

We don't know whether they are operating in

CONARD: I should imagine there would be some increase in general
somatic mutations.
FREMONT-SMIiTH:
tations.

All right.

I thought you meant the genetic mu-

CONARD: And also inthe genetic.

Oe ey ra eR ARS a 8

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