Nuclear Health and Safety: Mortality Study of Atmospheric Nuclear Test Participants Is Flawed
RCED-92-182
Published: Aug 10, 1992. Publicly Released: Sep 10, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO provided information on a National Academy of Sciences report on nuclear test participants, focusing on: (1) the accuracy of the participant and radiation exposure data that were supplied to the Academy; (2) when and how inaccuracies in the data occurred and were discovered; and (3) what actions have been taken to correct the data and update the 1985 mortality study.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should require the Director, DNA, to notify veteran groups, researchers, and the general public that the conclusions reached in the 1985 National Academy of Sciences mortality study may not be valid because of inaccuracies found in the participant data used in performing the study and that the study is being redone. |
DOD officials notified 700 institutions that the 1985 National Academy of Sciences mortality study is being updated to correct past inaccuracies and to incorporate 10 more years of life experience data and dose assessment research. A fact sheet was sent with the letter indicating that a contract was awarded on September 8, 1992, to overcome the limitations associated with the 1985 mortality study.
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Atomic energy defense activitiesCancerDatabasesData integrityInteragency relationsMedical researchMilitary personnelNuclear radiation monitoringNuclear weapons testingRadiation exposure hazardsMortality