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FROM THE AUSTRALIAN MINISTER FOR HEALTH  THE HON. NEAL BLEWETT

16\\^\ $3

NO EVIDENCE THAT ATOMIC TEST RADIATION HAS

CAUSED SUBSEQUENT ILLNESS, SAY REPORTS

Two studies tabled today in the Senate on behalf of the

Australian Minister for Health, Dr Neal Blewett,  report that

there is no evidence that the health of Australians who took

part in the United Kingdom's atomic test programs in Australia

in the 1950s and 1960s has been adversely affected.

The studies, contained in a single volume, 'Health of

atomic test personnel', were made by Commonwealth Department

of Health experts.

Dr Blewett said he had long recognised the concern of

many former participants about possible long-term effects of

exposure to radiation from the tests.

'Indeed, I was one of those who urged the former

Government to investigate the matter', he said.

'Concern was not altogether dispelled by the publication

earlier this year of the Australian Ionising Radiation Advisory

Council's report on safety measures at the tests.

'However, these latest studies confirm the Council's earlier

findings that it is not possible to demonstrate that exposure to

radiation at the time of the tests has resulted in significant

adverse effects to health*.

Dr Blewett said one study was of more than 8000 former test

participants.

. .. / 2

2.

1xr 'An excess of cataract was found in some sub-groups,  but .  this could not be attributed to radiation. r

'The researchers looked for an excess of diseases known to

be related to radiation, but were not able to discover instances

of diseases which could be attributed to the tests'.

Dr Blewett said the second study was of causes of death

of more than 1500 former test participants who had died before

October 1982.

'This study found groups of participants with excess

mortality from lung cancer, diseases caused by alcohol,  and

air accidents, but no excess mortality from radiation-related

diseases'. Â·

Dr Blewett said he hoped the findings would relieve

participants and their families of any lingering fears they

may have.

CANBERRA: 15 December 1983

Note for editors:  The reports, contained in one volume, 'Health of atomic test personnel', are available from AGPS Bookshops,   price $4-90.

