Perspective on genetic effects of radiation.
The BEIR -III estimates of genetic effects of radiation are combined with current estimates of radiation from the nuclear-energy industry to derive estimates of the genetic effects of the latter, and the results are put into perspective. All nuclear electricity would have genetic effects equivalent to those of increasing average parental age by 2.6 days (average age of parents shifted by 1.8 yr between 1940-1960), or of men spending 8 hr more per year wearing pants . If 0.5% of the taxes paid by the nuclear industry were used to combat genetic disease by currently available methods, this would avert 160 cases of genetic disease for each case caused by the nuclear industry. Using this money for genetic research would be even more profitable, by a large factor. It is pointed out that the activities of our generation have numerous impacts, both favorable and unfavorable, on future generations that are enormously more important than the genetic effects of our radiation. It is shown that the genetic effects of radiation cannot destroy the human race or create new type monsters. Genetic risks to children of radiation workers and non-radiation workers in the present generation are also treated.
D000016:Abnormalities, Radiation-Induced; D000059:Accidents; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D025063:Chromosome Disorders; D003020:Clothing / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005818:Genetic Engineering; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008423:Maternal Age; D009153:Mutagens; D009154:Mutation; D009688:Nuclear Reactors; D010331:Paternal Age; D011831:Radiation Genetics; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants; D012306:Risk
D009153:Mutagens; D011848:Radioactive Pollutants