CONSIDERATIONS ON HYGIENIC ASPECTS OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION OF WATER AND SEWAGE

Contamination problems are reviewed. The effect of total dose of radiation is discussed, after a discussion of the increase over natural background in recent years in various locntions. Distinction is drawn between immediate effects and delayed effects. Examples are drawn from cases in Hiroshima and Nagasaki and from cases due to exposure to x rays in therapy; particular effects are briefly cntaloged. These include cataracts, anemia, leukemia, premature death, cancer, and birth of deformed or dead infants. In addition, research on the genetic effects of radiation is mentioned. Discussion is outlined for the problems of disposal of radioactive gases, liquid samples of both large and small volume and concentration, and solid samples. (BBB)