Dangerous developments in nuclear research

The production of energy from fissile material entails risks for human health and life and therefore jeopardizes all human rights by endangering individuals in their environment through the radioactive effects it can produce. Over-exposure to radiation destroys the body's immune system, heightens victims, vulnerability to infection and to different forms of cancer, and increases the occurrence of congenital malformations and psychological traumas. In addition, ionizing radiation can damage crops, the food chain, cattle, the marine ecosystem and in the last resort man, through the amount of iodine-131 which penetrates the body, mainly through cow's milk, and is concentrated in the thyroid gland, destroying tissue there and, after a period of latency, leading to cancer of the thyroid. To make matters worse, it is not easy to rid the body of this carcinogenic substance once it has been ingested. Similarly, exposure to the alpha radiation of plutonium produces chromosomal instability, which can be transmitted to offspring and can lead to the appearance of cancers in later generations or to mutations.

It therefore appears essential to make plans in good time for educating the public and for ascertaining the obligations of States in international law with regard to the effects of radiation resulting from the use of energy produced by nuclear fission.

Although the international community has already made substantial efforts, the risks involved have by no means been completely eliminated.