Effect of an enhanced natural radioactivity on mammal fertility

Effects of ionising radiation exposure on plants, fish and mammals: relevant data for environmental radiation protection

“…γ irradiation of mice during three consecutive generations (dose rates between 100 and 1000 µGy h −1 ) increased the percentage of sterile mice (6-8 times the control value) and the percentage of early deaths (twofold increase), and decreased to 33-41% of the control value the mean litter size [52,53]. Similar detrimental effects on reproductive capacity were observed in a field study performed with mice exposed to γradiation, using dose rates in the same range [54]. β irradiation of mice from conception to 14 days of age decreased the number of primary oocytes (6.6% of the control value).…”

“…Significant reduction in lifespan was seen in several species of mammals at dose rates above 10 3 µGy h −1 . A threshold of ∼100 µGy h −1 has been described for reproductive capacity impairment, although the detrimental effects observed are reversible [54]. There are too few data for drawing conclusions on mutation effects of chronic irradiation on mammals.…”

Application of the ERICA Integrated Approach to the Drigg coastal sand dunes

“…No chronic radiation effects data are reported for reptiles but acute lethal dose data suggest that they are less radiosensitive than mammals and birds (UNSCEAR, 1996). The look-up tables do not report any effects in mammals and birds below 10 mGy/h and the lowest dose rate at which statistically significant reproduction effects are reported is 100 mGy/h in mammals (Leonard et al, 1985).…”

Annex D. Radiation Effects in Reference Animals and Plants

“…(D116) In mice exposed to 2.4 mGy/day gamma radiation over 4-6 months (total dose 0.15 Gy), there was a moderate decrease in fecundity (35% reduction in number of offspring sired and weaned; LOEDR), and after total doses of 0.6 Gy, there was a major decrease in male fertility (50% reduction of fertile pairs after male irradiation; LOEDR) (Leonard et al, 1985). Exposure of mice to gamma radiation at dose rates of 101 or 202 mGy/day (for 24 or 16 weeks, respectively) had no effect on mean litter size of females surviving sterility, or on mortality between birth and weaning of the offspring.…”