The Atomic Bomb Casualty Commission was established in the United States to
monitor the effects of nuclear radiation on the survivors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
after survivors of the bombing reported a high incidence of leukemia (Lindee, 1994).
The Commission’s observations were based on incidence data for leukemia by age,distance of exposure, and type of leukemia. High leukemia incidence was reported
near the nuclear bombing site, and as the distance from the bomb site increased, the
incidence decreased. A higher incidence of acute leukemia was detected in victims
younger than age 30 years, and chronic leukemia appeared at a young age in the individuals
near the bombing site (