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72
In June, 1956 the Radio-active Substances Advisory Committee
appointed an expert panel to ascertain the nature and quantity of radioactive
waste likely to arise in the foreseeable future, to advise on the best
methods of securing that the waste is disposed of safely, and to advise
whether any new legal provisions or amendments to existing legislation
are necessary to ensure safe disposal ; and if so, to advise on the form
which the new provisions or amendments should take. An interim
report said—"We can say that no hazard from radio-activity arises from,
for example, sewage or sewage effluent, anywhere in this country."
Until recently, gaseous effluents have not given cause for anxiety.
Stacks are monitored and the air entering and leaving the stack is filtered.
The whole area of the site and the country for many miles around is
regularly monitored.
The Atomic Energy Research Establishment at Harwell published
results of preliminary investigations which show how radio-active isotopes
have penetrated into public water supplies. The amounts varied with the
type of the source of water. Storage had some effect in reducing the
quantity.
Radio-Therapy. The Health Department of the Ministry have
appointed a Committee under Lord Adrian to review the present practice
in the field of radio-therapy and radiology.
The Home Office have agreed with manufacturers and users a safety
code governing the use of shoe-fitting fluoroscopy.
Fall-out. The Government have a full programme for the measurement
of fall-out deposited in this country in consequence of nuclear
weapon tests.
Isotopes. The transport of active fuel products by road is controlled
by the Authority and by the Police. The primary responsibility in regard
to factories rests with the Ministry of Labour. New regulations have been
published or are under consideration.
Position of Local Authorities. Local authorities as yet, have not
been brought into the picture. The Minister of Housing and Loca
Government feels that it is not necessary for authorities to make arrangements
for monitoring. On the other hand, it is said that authorities canno
be furnished with information about the distribution of isotopes to
places in their districts as this is a commercial matter.
The question of the training of Public Health staff is being considered
by the Ministry of Health Committee. (Chairman, Sir Douglas Veale).
Many members of the public are apprehensive about the present
position, and still more about the future. According to some authorities
the fall-out from the thermo-nuclear explosions which have alrady
taken place must inevitably result in the development of cancer in a largn
number of people. The concern of others is the risk of contamination of
foodstuffs, more especially the milk which is to be consumed by the
younger members of the population. Others see the risk of exposuse to
isotopes which are to be so freely used, some of which by human frailty