Invisibility and Ambiguity.

"The inability to remove or adapt to the threat associated with exposure is based on three issues: environmental invisibility, medical invisibility and diagnostic invisibility.

Environmental Invisibility means that the contaminant (radiation in the present case) cannot be detected through the normal sensory pathways. The nuclear test veteran cannot ascertain if he is in danger because he does not know whether he absorbed radiation, and if he did, how much. If he absorbed radiation, he has no real idea whether or not he is in danger, even the experts cannot agree.

Medical Invisibility refers to the fact that, at some point, radiation exposure is invisible to the person exposed and his medical advisors. For instance, an individual may not become systematic until years after the exposure. A specific form of medical invisibility: Symptoms cannot easily be linked to the exposure.

These invisibilities open up the flood gates of ambiguity and uncertainty. It is not possible for the exposed person to adapt to the situation. There are constant, nagging doubts and concerns, resulting in frustration and CHRONIC STRESS." 

The researchers then explain that those suffering Chronic Stress and frustration develop physical ill health. They listed 23 health problems suffered by the Operation Grapple test group and measured against the control group. Here are some of those findings measured in %...

Cancer                   Test Group 24                       Control 2

Respiratory conditions              24                                  10

Chronic Skin conditions             40                                  12

 The researchers also stated.

"A major difficulty for the NZ nuclear Test Veterans and the NZ Government alike is that the effects of nuclear exposure are far from obvious. This inherent ambiguity highlighted in this present study is most unfortunate, for it is a double edged sword. The exposed men not only suffer distress from the fear of what exposure to nuclear radiation might do to them and their children, but also from the frustration, anger, and bitterness associated with the strong perception of having been "forgotten". However there can be little doubt that the psychological profile of these nuclear test veterans is far from normal. To leave these men with the perceptions they have of there general and physical and mental well being would be highly unsatisfactory.

It is our strong recommendation that:

1)   These veterans be offered assistance to cope with the chronic stress that some of them are experiencing. As long as the situation they find themselves in remains unresolved, stress levels are likely to remain high. There exist a number of useful techniques that could be taught to these men to help them cope with stress. Of course, this recommendation is NOT to be taken as a solution to the problem of compensation. However while the debate continues, it would be in the men's best interest to minimize stress levels.

2)   Given the clear evidence that at least some of the Exposed men are living with a Compromised quality of life (in comparison to Controls and NZ men of similar Age), there is an urgent need to formulate appropriate strategies that address these inequalities."