Evaluation of a Possible Causal Relationship Between Fallout Deposition of Strontium 90 and Infant and Fetal Mortality Trends

摘要

As early as 1963, Dr. Ernest J. Sternglass expressed his belief that radiation due to deposited radionuclides from fallout has increased the burden of diseases, such as leukemia, and altered the trend of infant and fetal mortality in the United States. More recently, through public forums, published articles, and presentations at scientific meetings, Dr. Sternglass has given added emphasis to what he considers a highly significant and disturbing finding in changing patterns of infant and fetal mortality, which he has attributed primarily to levels of 90Sr in the environment. Because of the magnitude of the problems implied in these allegations, the Public Health Service conducted an evaluation of the reports written by Dr. Sternglass. This critique, based primarily on Dr. Sternglass' report given at the 9th Annual Hanford Biology Symposium on May 5-8, 1969, in Richland, Washington, resulted in a failure to agree with the scientific approach used by Dr. Sternglass in evaluating the data he has utilized in his report. (Author)