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This survoy, led by Dr. David G. Cogan of Harvard
Ledical School, has revealed ten cases of cataracts which are believed
to have been caused by the atomic bombs. 411 cases were within 550 to
950 meters of the hypocenter at the time of explosion. The frequency of
atom bomb cataracts now, or to be expected in the future, cannot be stated
at present due to the selective methods used in discovering thesc ten
cases.
Long-time effects of radiation. In order to learn about the genevic effccts of chronic exposure to radiation, the Comission is supporting investigations of the rate of accusulevion of harmful genes in
experimental vopulations of Drosophila (fruit fly) exposed to varying
dosages of X-rays. Progress has been made in these studies even though
they were initiated only recently. In addition, a proposal has been approved to make extensive studies of the effects of both acute and chronic
radiation upon longevity and fertility in mice, as well as an accomvanying study of the genetic effects. The Commission will gain information
needed for its own problems and will also make substantial contributions
to basic knowledge of population genetics.
Health Physics Training
The monitoring of radiation exposure to insure that permissible
levels are not exceeded is a function of health physics. There are approximately 375 professional health physicists in AEC plants and laboratories and in various other clinical and experimental stations. As atomic
energy production and the use of isotopes increase in importance, the
need for competent health physics service will also increase.
Until recently traininz courses were administered by the National
Research Council. At Oak tidge National Laboratory and at the University
of Rochester the Commission has provided health physicists with training
of a more comprehensive nature than is possible with on-the-job training.
The last group of 13 students completed the regular courses in September
and, of these, & were placed in health physics positions and 5 have returned to school for further training. The new group begun in October
includes 21 students at Oak Ridge and Rochester, 2 at the University of
liinnesota, and 1 at the California Institute of Technology. The last 3
will take advanced work in radiation biophysics.
Plans are under way to administer the 1950={51 training program
throuvh the University of Rochester and the Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear
tudies.
Construction of Facilities
Construction of four important facilities for the biology and
medicine program were brousht to substantial completion during the quarter. These included the Rochester Training Building ($1,089,000) on the
campus of the University of Rochester; Phase I of the Biology Laboratory
(3500,000) at Brookhaven; the “xperimental Animal Farm ($307,000) and
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