Background Radiation in the Etiology of Congenital Malformations

摘要

This study was initiated in 1960 in order to determine whether an association between the incidence of congenital malformations and background radiation levels could be demonstrated in the States of Colorado, Michigan, and Minnesota, with malformations data for all subjects being derived from medical records as well as vital certificates, and radiation levels being measured by organized, direct, sensitive methods. The main hypothesis to be considered is whether towns with apparently high malformation rates have relatively higher background radiation levels than towns with apparently low malformation rates.