FOREWORD 



In June 1956 the National Academy of Sciences published the first, 

 summary reports of the findings and recommendations of six committees 

 established to study the biological effects of atomic radiations. These com- 

 mittees cover the fields of genetics, pathology, meteorology, oceanography 

 and fisheries, agriculture and food supplies, and the disposal and dispersal of 

 radioactive wastes. 



During the intervening years the committees have continued to work on 

 various aspects of their several fields, gathering additional information, re- 

 viewing new findings as research has advanced, and identifying fruitful lines 

 for further exploration. 



Last autumn it appeared that the time was again at hand for concerted 

 consideration of the over-all question of biological effects, with a view to the 

 preparation of new summary reports to bring the findings of the committees 

 up to date. Those summaries are contained in the present volume. 



A general conclusion from the reports of all six committees is that the 

 steady accumulation of scientific information since 1956 has not brought to 

 light any facts that call for drastic revisions of their earlier recommendations. 

 It will be noted by those familiar with the previous publication that in their 

 new reports the committees have in general devoted greater attention to future 

 objectives in the study of biological hazards and to research programs that are 

 needed to attain them. 



As was the case in 1956, the summary reports will be followed by reports 

 in detail on a number of special problems. 



Members of the committees, together with their panels and consultants, 

 number more than 140 distinguished scientists. To them the special apprecia- 

 tion of the National Academy of Sciences is due. They have given unsparingly 

 of their time and energies to elucidate the scientific facts and issues bearing on 

 the questions before them. In doing so they have served without compensation, 

 and as individuals rather than representatives of their institutions, companies, 

 or governmental agencies. 



Howard L. Andrews, Head of the Radiation Physics Section of me Na- 

 tional Cancer Institute, has given exceptional service on behalf of the Academy 

 as coordinator and staff director of these summary studies. We are indebted to 

 the Director of the National Institutes of Health for making Dr. Andrews' 

 services available. It is a pleasure also to acknowledge the sustained and 

 wholehearted cooperation of administrators and scientists of the Atomic 

 Energy Commission, other governmental agencies, and a number of academic 

 institutions. We are grateful for the continued financial support of The Rocke- 

 feller Foundation in our general studies of the biological effects of atomic 

 radiations. 



Detlev W. Bronk, President 

 National Academy of Sciences 

 May 1960 



