asked the Minister for Health whether in view of the recent increase in strontium 90, as an index of growing atmospheric pollution from nuclear explosive fall-out, registered in the bones of British children he is in a position to state whether a similar increase has been registered in the bones of growing children in the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nuclear Explosive Fall-out: Effect on Growing Children.
11.
The report, dated January, 1960, of the Research Group of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority indicates that the Strontium Units in bones show a rise in all but the "over 20 year" age group between the latter part of 1958 and the first half of 1959. The report points out, however, that a straightforward comparison of the two sets of results may give a false impression of the steepness of this rise because, apparently by reason of sampling defects, the increase during 1958 was under-weighted while that between the latter part of 1958 and early 1959 was over-weighted.
Figures of strontium 90 in children's bones have not been compiled for this country. As I indicated in reply to similar questions asked by the Deputy in April and May last year, figures of this nature for Ireland can, however, be taken to be similar to those for Britain, so that it could be assumed that any increase which might occur in the strontium units in Britain would probably also be found in this country. I would add, however, that a scheme for having some tests made with a view to measuring the strontium content here is under consideration and I hope to issue a statement shortly in this matter.