UPTAKE AND TRANSFER OF FALLOUT I$sup 131$ IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Levels of I/sup 131/ in pregnant women and controls were determined by whole-body counting with a scintillation crystal placed over the thyroid. No detectable levels of I/sup 131/ were found. Ten fetal thyroids and milk samples were also negative for I/sup 131/. In a second series counted during Oct. through Dec. 1962, levels of I/sup 131/ in pregnant women ranged from 0 to 160 pC. In 5 of the offspring of these women measured from 18 to 34 days after birth, no significant levels of I/sup 131/ were detected. Levels of I/sup 131/ in milk samples collected during this period ranged from 25 to 180 pC/qt. Apparently no more I/sup 131/ was taken up by pregnant than by nonpregnant women. The data suggest a correlation between milk consumption and thyroid I/sup 131/ content. (C.H.