Veterans of British nuclear tests to undergo DNA tests
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Retired New Zealand servicemen exposed to the effects of British nuclear tests in the 1950s will have their DNA examined for possible damage caused by the blasts, a veterans' group said on Tuesday.
The study will check the DNA of 50 test veterans for possible links between the bomb blasts and the poor health suffered by many of the nowretired servicemen, Nuclear Test Veterans' Association chairman Roy Sefton said. The veterans worked on the tests or took part in exercises to determine the effect of fallout on humans or equipment.
"This is a handson, clinical, definitive approach, completely individualized," Sefton said. He added he had not expected to see such extensive testing "in my lifetime."
Sefton said the project's importance was that the results would be specific to the individual. Broader, statisticsbased New Zealand studies have been inconclusive about the health effects of the nuclear tests, which were carried out by Britain on Australian territory.
Sefton said though the study could add weight to veterans' demands for compensation from the British government, that was not its purpose.
The aim was to gain more definitive information about possible genetic damage to test veterans generally, he said.
The research, led by Dr. Al Rowlands of Massey University's Institute of Molecular Biosciences, will use 100 subjects; 50 test veterans and 50 people who will form a control group. The subjects will provide blood and saliva samples.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments