Published online by Cambridge University Press: 31 July 2008
Reproductive performance and some of the more important features of their progeny were studied in 755 radiologists and in 346 laboratorians as controls in order to investigate the possible genetic injuriousness of ionizing radiation. Significant differences were found only in fertility: the fertility of female radiologists was significantly lower than that of the female laboratorians and of the wives of male radiologists. This phenomenon is probably explained by a more extended use of the methods of birth control by female radiologists due to roentgenophobia.