The Public Health Aspect of Nuclear Energy, With Particular Reference to Inhalation Hazards and to Diseases of the Chest

¹ Division of Special Health Services, Public Health Service, U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.

The dawn of the atomic age, and the health hazards inescapably associated with the use of nuclear energy, presents the Public Health Service with its newest responsibility.

We must distinguish in radiation health hazards, as we do in the field of air pollution, between the acute and chronic effects of exposure. Only when an accident occurs, caused by very large radiation exposure can acute effects be anticipated. The symptoms will appear within a short time and should be immediately recognizable.

There are three chief sources of radiation exposure that constitute the purely civilian aspect of this problem. First, the type of exposure that is related to peace-time atomic energy. Second, the exposure which results from the presence of natural radioactive substances in the environment and from cosmic rays. Third, exposure encountered in the healing arts, especially x-ray procedures.

Workers in the atomic-fueled plants of the future, and the general population must be protected from various types of radiation hazards (including the dangers inherent in the disposal of radioactive waste). Radioactive substances in the environment and cosmic rays, are for the most part, beyond man's control. The danger of over-exposure of x-ray operators, other medical personnel and patients themselves is a direct challenge to public health, and a challenge to which we have responded.

The principal chronic effects of radiation are understood today to be reduction of life span, production of genetic mutations, and increased evidence of cancer. At the present time some 250,000 individuals in this country are engaged in the operation of about 125,000 medical and dental x-ray and fluoroscopic units.

Techniques are available for reducing the exposure resulting from x-ray and fluoroscopic machines without adversely affecting the diagnostic quality of the results.

Health officers, engineers, public health nurses, health educators, all play a role in a cooperative educational program.

A major activity of Public Health Service in the special field of inhalation hazards and disease of the chest has been the work carried on in the uranium mining industry. The Service has demonstrated that through proper ventilation of uranium mines, the concentration of radon, and its daughter products can be reduced to recommended levels and the lungs of uranium miners can be protected from radioactive gases and dust.