FOREWORD 



The studies of the biological effects of atomic radiation, of which the report published 

 in this volume is a part, were undertaken by the National Academy of Sciences in 1955. 

 The first formal reports issuing from the study were published by the National Academy 

 of Sciences — National Research Council in June 1956 as "The Biological Effects of 

 Atomic Radiation — Summary Reports." These noted briefly the findings of six com- 

 mittees established to review broadly the status of knowledge in this field of vital im- 

 portance to the welfare of man at the threshold of the atomic age. They considered the 

 problem from the points of view of genetics, pathology, agriculture and food supplies, 

 oceanography and fisheries, meteorology, and the disposal and dispersal of radioactive 

 wastes. 



The Academy study is a continuing one. Each of the Committees in a manner appro- 

 priate to its area of concern is pursuing its work. 



The Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation on Oceanography and Fisheries 

 held two meetings prior to the publication of its "Summary Report": the first on March 

 3-5, 1956 and the second on April 13-16, 1956. Rough drafts of most of the materials 

 published in this volume were prepared at the second meeting. These reports, which 

 give the detailed technical background of the committee's findings and recommendations, 

 have been completed during the past year. Although the different chapters are signed 

 by individual authors, all members of the committee participated in planning and out- 

 lining the materials covered. Valuable editorial assistance was given by Dr. George A. 

 Rounsefell and Mr. Charles I. Campbell. 



A similar report was prepared by the Committee on Pathologic Effects of Atomic 

 Radiation and published in the Fall of 1956 by the NAS-NRC as Publication Number 

 452. The Committee on the Disposal and Dispersal of Radioactive Wastes has nearly 

 completed a similar detailed report of its considerations. 



After the publication of its Summary Report in June 1956, the Committee on the 

 Effects of Atomic Radiation on Oceanography and Fisheries met informally with scien- 

 tists from the United Kingdom on September 27 and 28, 1956. The discussions centered 

 around the recommendations that could be made on the basis of existing knowledge and 

 the nature of the research needed in planning disposal of radioactive waste at sea. 



Members of this Committee have also participated in the preparation of a report by 

 Unesco to the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation, concerning 

 the oceanic disposal of radioactive wastes. 



As the use of atomic energy becomes more and more a part of our daily life it is 

 essential that thoughtful attention in broad perspective be paid to the often subtle and 

 perhaps profound effects of this new technology on man and his environment. The 

 Academy study will continue to provide this review and to report its findings to the 

 public when appropriate. 



The facts upon which the study's conclusions are based result from more than two 

 decades of research which has been sponsored by the Academy and other private or- 

 ganizations as well as by various government agencies. The current study has been 

 financed by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation. It has been greatly assisted by 

 the generous and whole-hearted co-operation of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission 

 and other government agencies. 



Detlev W. Bronk, 



President, National Academy of Sciences. 



