The primary purpose of the study was to determine whether thyroid morbidity is increased among persons exposed to releases of radioactive iodine from the Hanford Nuclear Site between 1944 and 1957. The study was also designed to further determine in what way any increase in thyroid morbidity was related to the dose of radiation received (i.e., the characteristics of any dose-response relationship). Secondary objectives of the study included the following: 1) to determine whether hyperparathyroidism is increased among persons exposed to the Hanford radiation and, if so, to determine in what way the increase is related to the dose of radiation received; 2) to provide information to residents of the communities surrounding the Hanford Site regarding the objectives, design, and conduct of the study, as well as the findings and results of the research; and 3) to assess the appropriateness of the methods employed and the degree to which such an investigation could be successfully planned and executed, given the long interval since exposure and the uncertainties regarding radiation dose.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection