Sir, - Very high-profile publicity has been afforded to Adi Roche's efforts in the Chernobyl Children's Project, which must be duly recognised for the initiative and the humanitarian work involved. It is only proper, however that the health effects of Chernobyl, as outlined in the best scientific reports, be brought to public attention. May I refer in particular to the incidence of birth defects as these children have unfortunately been paraded for the press and television, for example on the Late Late Show?
In a report by the World Health Organisation and others, the only observable health effects of Chernobyl are an increase in childhood thyroid cancers and many psychological problems due to fear and to the major social disruption involved. It has also been found in the very detailed and ongoing studies of the population irradiated by the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombs that there is no evidence of birth defects. It is therefore very regrettable that children with birth defects, who could come from any country in the world, are being used - in this case almost certainly to promote the goals of the Irish branch of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, of which Adi Roche is secretary. Nuclear disarmament is a laudable goal; but please do not use these unfortunate children as emotional blackmail to further the cause. - Yours, etc.,
Professor of Applied Physics, NUI, Galway.