Atomic Radiation Dangers and What They Mean to You, by H.W. Heckstall-Smith

[p033] Atomic Radiation Dangers and What They Mean to You, by H. W. Heckstall-Smith (Dent, 7s. 6d.) IN fewer than 100 pages, the author of this book soberly and systematically reports the main facts about the dangers to health inherent in atomic radiation. His exposition is clear, concise and extremely informative. The text can readily be followed by anyone with an elementary knowledge of natural science, the technical terms used from time to time all being clearly explained. The author analyses the nature of atomic radiation and lists the various sources from which it may arise: cosmic radiation from outer space, the natural radiation of our earthly surroundings, the radiation derived from our activities in relation to industry, medicine and scientific research, and (since that fateful day in 1945) the radiation derived from A-bombs, H-bombs and atomic plants. The genetic and cancer dangers are discussed dispassionately and all statements are rigorously documented from _ official sources. One is left, at the end of all this, with the un- pleasant impression that the ills we know, fearful though they be,.may be nothing compared to others we do not yet know anything about. Vv Most people wanting to read this book will naturally be concerned about the effects of test: explosions. ‘The author repeatedly and exphéitly- acknowledges that atomic: radiation derived from this source accounts for only a certain pro- portion of the total radiation to which men and women are today exposed. He constantly discusses the problem of the tests against this broader background. So-do government officials. But whereas the yes-men of the scientific Establish- ment claim that seen in this light the dangers of nuclear tests will appear less, the author thinks otherwise. For: radiation derived from nuclear tests has neither the justification of being ‘inevitable’ nor the sanction of some social usefulness. The fight for sanity appears quite clearly as the fight against all superfluous forms of radiation. The author’s approach takes the issue right on to the doorstep of the official dis- pensers of scientific soothing syrup. Mr Heckstall-Smith knows that his subject matter is dyna- mite, in a metaphorical as well as in a more literal sense. ‘Very influential people,’ he tells us, ‘passionately want the facts to suit their policies.” Because of this, ‘observations often reach us in a biased form, when they should, scientifi- cally, be straight’. He is to be complimented on his attempt to rectify at least part of the record. This excellent book is a bold endeavour to throw light in corners that certain people would prefer kept permanently dark. It not only fulfils an urgent need, but in its modest way takes up the cudgels on behalf of scientific objectivity —for if truth be the first casualty in war, scientific objectivity 31

[p034] LABOUR REVIEW is undoubtedly one of the chronic victims - of the prolonged periods of armed ‘peace’ we now seem: to enjoy. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the author’s caustic comments on the systematization of the ‘harmless’ semi-truth. ‘In the old days’, he tells us, ‘the Public Relations Officers could distract public attention from a horrible truth long enough for the situation to cure itself and for the truth to pass into the history books. This can no longer happen. . . . When you are dealing with radio-activity you are ‘dealing with something inexorable. What you have done capnot be un- done. This is a situation wholly new to Public Relations Officers.” One might add that it is new to, their masters, too, and that it may well contribute to the ‘fatter’ s undoing. The state of affairs created by atomic hazards is a challenge to all mankind. Clear thinking is essential on many funda- mental issues. Mr Heckstall-Smith, an honest physicist, has done his share. It is for others, setting themselves broader terms of reference, to examine the odious society in which’ such terrible dangers could arise and find means of urgently and radically reshaping it so that mankind may survive. GRACCHUS World of Plenty?