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Answer to Question #6335 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"Category: Radiation Effects — Genetic Effects The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: Q
Is there any possibility that a man who has been working at a nuclear
power plant for years, but never had any contact with radiation that is
thought to be dangerous, could conceive a child with health problems
resulting from the exposure to the radiation the father had?
A
Scientists don't typically talk in absolutes, so I cannot say that
it is impossible for irradiation of a father to cause adverse effects
in his future offspring, but I can tell you that there is no evidence
of such an effect. This conclusion is based in large part on studies of
the survivors of the Japanese atomic bombings and of people receiving
radiation exposures for medical reasons. Both of these groups would
have received much higher doses than is typical in a nuclear power
plant. Still, no adverse effects have been observed in the children of
these irradiated populations. Therefore, it is extremely unlikely that
any radiation a man might typically receive working at a nuclear power
plant would cause adverse effects in his offspring.
Answer posted on 23 March 2007. The information and material posted on this website is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may alter the concepts and applications of materials and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice specific to whatever facts and circumstances are presented in any given situation. Answers are correct at the time they are posted on the Website. Be advised that over time, some requirements could change, new data could be made available, or Internet links could change. For answers that have been posted for several months or longer, please check the current status of the posted information prior to using the responses for specific applications.
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