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Genetic effects of neutrons in mammals and their implications for risk assessment in man

Book ·
OSTI ID:4341607
From symposium on the effects of neutron irradiation upon cell function; Nuremberg, Germany (22 Oct 1973). In the last years, the proliferation of nuclear reactors and other sources of high LET radiation has led to a number of large-scale projects on the genetic effects of fast neutrons in mammals, mainly mice, comparing the RBE of high and low LET radiation for the induction of gene muiations and chromosome aberration. A review of the work done in this field by the author himself and other scientists is given. Results on neutron-induced chromosomal aberrations, especially gains and losses of chromosomes and translocations, were compiled. The only deficiencies analyzed in detail are those at the closely linked d and se loci in the mouse, while much work has been done on the induction of dominant lethal mutations. Many investigations were done on the induction of gene mutations by fission neutrons, showing markedly differing doseresponse effects for acute and chronic irradiation. The estimates of the likely magnitude of various types of genetic risk associated with human exposure are till now incomplete in some respects and very tentative in others. The results of the UN and the BEIR Report are presented and discussed. (GE)
Research Organization:
Medical Research Council, Harwell, Eng. Page(s): v
NSA Number:
NSA-29-018638
OSTI ID:
4341607
Report Number(s):
SM--179/38
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English