Use of animals in biomedical research. Historical role of the American Medical Association and the American physician

From the introduction of the "Gallinger-DC" bill in 1896 to the passage of the Laboratory Animal Welfare Act in 1966, organized medicine and the American physician have been active in promoting the humane and appropriate use of research animals and explaining to the public and legislators the importance of research using animals to medical progress. The role of organized medicine and science in events leading to passage of federal legislation is discussed. Past efforts of the American Medical Association and the American physician have been critical in numerous successful efforts at the local, state, and national level to prevent the passage of laws which restricted animal use for health research and impeded medical progress. This article demonstrates that current initiatives by physicians to preserve biomedical research are a reaffirmation of their traditional role.     

Disposal of low-level radioactive wastes

The generation of low-level radioactive waste is a natural consequence of the societal uses of radioactive materials. These uses include the application of radioactive materials to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease and to research into the causes of human disease and their prevention. Currently, low level radioactive wastes are disposed of in one of three shallow land-burial disposal sites located in Washington, Nevada, and South Carolina. With the passage in December 1980 of Public Law 96-573, "The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act," the disposal of low-level wastes generated in each state was identified as a responsibility of the state. To fulfill this responsibility, states were encouraged to form interstate compacts for radioactive waste disposal. At the present time, only 37 states have entered into compact agreements, in spite of the clause in Public Law 96-573 that established January 1, 1986, as a target date for implementation of state responsibility for radioactive wastes. Recent action by Congress has resulted in postponement of the implementation date to January 1, 1993.     

Origin and health risks of indoor radon

Radon has always been a component of ground and air and it has been present in increased concentrations from the moment humans first sought shelter inside dwellings. Recent improvements in the energy efficiency of dwellings have led to increased concentrations of radon and to increased risks of lung cancer. To quantify the magnitude of this risk, well-designed epidemiological studies, including surveys of representative dwellings, are needed, and several are being implemented. In the meantime, the EPA and other agencies have offered guidance on monitoring procedures and remedial measures appropriate for the problem on indoor radon. Recent disclosures of relatively high concentrations of radon and radon decay products in homes in several parts of the country have increased public concern about the problem. More information and education are needed about the health risks of radon, the desirability of implementing monitoring procedures for radon, and about remediation measures when detected levels are above average. Educational resources are needed in communities to address local issues when they arise. These resources should include knowledgeable individuals who can work with state and county health officials to put public concerns into perspective within the local context. Physicians, other health professionals, and medical scientists have the knowledge and credentials to be these individuals. To provide health professionals with knowledge and skills to communicate with the public about the health risks of radon, the American Medical Association has prepared an authoritative report and initiated a series of regional seminars on the origin and health risks of radon.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ionization produced by electron beams beneath curved surfaces

Ionization produced by high-energy (6-18 MeV) electrons beneath cylindrical surfaces has been measured and compared to ionization at corresponding locations under a flat surface. Results are reported as ionization ratios over a range of depths, off-axis distances, radii of curvature, and electron energies. Phantoms with cylindrical entrance surfaces (radii 6-15 cm) were utilized to simulate patient contours. Measurements reveal that ionization ratios may depart from unity by as much as 50% and that a simple shifting of isodose curves may be insufficient to compensate for perturbation in electron dose distribution introduced by curved surfaces.