Mortality and cancer frequency among military nuclear test (Smoky) participants, 1957 through 1979
G. G. Caldwell, D. Kelley, M. Zack, H. Falk and C. W. Heath Jr
Follow-up of health status has been completed through 1979 for 3,072
(95.5%) of 3,217 nuclear test participants on military maneuvers during the
1957 nuclear test "Smoky." In these participants, 112 cases of cancer were
diagnosed, compared with 117.5 cases expected. During the same follow-up
period (1957 through 1979), 64 persons died of cancer, compared with an
expected 64.3. Statistically significantly increased frequency of
occurrence and mortality was found only for leukemia. The amount of
cumulative gamma radiation exposure for 1957 ranged from 0 to 10,397 mrem
as measured by individual personnel film badges. Although uncertainty
remains about the exact amount of radiation exposure, the lack of a
significant increase after 22 years in either the incidence of or the
mortality from any other cancer and the apparent lack of a dose effect by
unit lead to the consideration that the leukemia findings may be
attributable either to chance, to factors other than radiation, or to some
combination of risk factors possibly including radiation.
