Practical Importance of Human Genetic Monitoring

The practical need for the assessment of induced mutations in man continues to grow. In part, the problem is created by the increasing intrusion of ionizing radiation into our lives, as reviewed in the reports of several national and international committees (National Academy of Sciences, 1956 Medical Research Council, 1956, 1960 United Nations, 1962, 1969). These reports present in detail the amount and sources of radiation reaching the public and the nature of the deleterious effects to be expected. It is sufficient to note here that the matter of possible genetic risks continues to be the central issue in discussions of permissible exposure to radiation, and new debates erupt almost yearly. 

Thus there exist a multiplicity of valid reasons for desiring valid data on mutation frequency in man on a continuing basis. The question then becomes one of how these measurements should or could be made. 

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