A somatic effect is roughly defined as a visible change in
bodily characteristics or processes. A tumor would be indicative
of a somatic change, as would be changes in white blood cell
counts. A genetic effect is defined by a mutation in DNA or a
mutation in the progeny of an irradiated cell. Studies on
chromosomal changes conducted as early as 1928 found genetic
changes in the absence of somatic alterations. However,
scientists disagreed upon the significance of those findings for
somatic, or bodily changes, for decades. In 1925 a “tolerance
dose” for radium was proposed as a guide for workplace exposure
although the author of the proposed dose argued there was no
safe level of exposure (Calabrese). In 1928 a national
committee, the U.S. Advisory Committee on X-Ray and Radium
Protection (NCRPM) made up of physicians and scientists formed
and offered suggestive guidelines for safe handling of
radiation; however, this committee had no official standing or
statutory authority (Walker, 7). An International Commi