View report page

Summary of the main hazards to health
(1) X-ray exposure is now more carefully controlled especially in
regard to exposure for diagnostic purposes of the pelvic organs, which
are highly sensitive. Also great care is taken to ensure that x-ray apparatus
is properly shielded. The ordinary exposure to x-ray involved in, for
example, mass-radiography is of only minor importance; but pedoscopes
introduced in recent years in shoe fitting and similar exposures of frequency
in industry can be dangerous from a long term aspect. Legislation
has recently been introduced in the control of pedoscopes.
(2) Radio active substances can be highly dangerous if used carelessly
and unnecessarily. Strict control over exposure must be the keynote of
precaution. In hospitals regulations are laid down in a code of practice
for the storage, use, movement and disposal of wastes. Every hospital
where such substances are used a specialist officer is appointed to supervise
all aspects of control. In industry an ever increasing use is being made
of radio active material and great care must be exercised by all involved.
Disposal of radio active wastes presents special problems governed by
safeguards set out in the Radioactive Substances Act, 1948.
(3) Nuclear Reactors. Accidents can produce an outflow of radio
activity as shown by the Windscale incident on 10th October, 1957.
From this occurrence fresh knowledge and design will assist in eliminating
the risk of a similar accident. The Atomic Energy Acts control the
operations of nuclear reactors.
(4) Nuclear atomic explosions increase the existing natural background
radiation long after the local violence and radio-active "fall-out" have
been scattered by the winds. Very small increases of radio activity in
the atmosphere can be recorded at vast distances away from the explosion.
But though in radiation hazards it is the cumulative dose that
is important, it has been authoritively stated that the number of world
atomic explosion tests made, so far, is not such as may affect the health
of the public in this country. The contrary has also been stated. However,
expert opinion seems to be agreed as to the urgency of international
control.
In the meantime assurance too has been given that systematic monitoring
is carried out in relation to the atmosphere and food and water
supplies.
39