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from cancer in children have increased eighteen times in the last 

 twenty years. 



As an example of the new available data, it is known that certain 

 rivers such as the Enisiy River contain such radioactive 

 pollutants as plutonium, titanium and cesium-137 below a certain 

 reactor, and that fish in this river contain such radionuclides 

 as phosphorus-32, zinc 65, cesium-137 and, closest to the plant, 

 sodium-24. Such contaminated fish have been found along the 

 entire 1000 mile length of the river. Contaminated fish are 

 consumed by the local population. 



As to such pollution entering the food chain in the Arctic Ocean 

 and the Bering Sea, we have no data, nor are we in a position to 

 predict such pollution at this time. We have obtained some 

 specific data about location and quantities of some radioactive 

 sources in a few regions of Siberia and data on the apparent 

 correlation with increased health problems. Those details are 

 part of this report to the committee. We must stress 1) that we 

 cannot say if we are dealing with cause and effect and 2) that 

 the data must be regarded as preliminary findings only. 



There is no doubt that the health officials in Siberia are 

 concerned about what appears to them as a serious health problem. 

 Much additional data have to be collected before the extent of 

 the hazard can be determined and what populations are at risk. 



The University of Alaska already directs an active health 

 research program in cooperation with the Russian Academy of 

 Medical Science. A successful relationship has been enjoyed by 

 the Alaska-Siberian Medical Research Program (ASMRP) since 1988, 

 when it was initiated by Drs. Donald O'Dowd and Ted Mala. The 

 major foci of the program have been investigation of lifestyle 

 and nutritional factors and their impact on diabetes and heart 

 disease of native populations, seasonal depression, alcoholism 

 and cold adaptation. Epidemiological and cancer studies are also 

 underway. The current program enlists expertise from elsewhere 

 in the U.S.A. 



In view of the success of the ASMRP, the University of Alaska and 

 the Russian Academy of Medical Science, as partners, are in a 

 unique position to direct further human health investigation in 

 the region, and in particular, assess the health effect of 

 additional radiation burden. The capability to conduct baseline 

 clinical assessments and periodic medical surveillance of 

 populations at risk, as well as assessment of food sources 

 already exist within the ASMRP, but we would hope that other 

 agencies would also become partners in the task. 



Considering the similar potential threats of pollutants to both 

 the Siberian and Alaskan populations, it is clear that a 

 collaborative program will be most effective and should be built 

 on the foundation of the already existing Alaska Siberia Medical 

 Research Program. The program should include 1) defining the 



