Deformed Children

Recently an increasing number of [unclear: Ja anese] children have been born [unclear: displayin] curvature of the spine, gnarled bones [unclear: ar] other structural disorders. Although [unclear: th] Japanese Government refuses to [unclear: prepar] or release details, studies undertaken by local authorities have shown that in [unclear: som] heavily industrialised areas up to 80% [unclear: o] children born in any one year suffer from serious disabilities. A research project known as the Wild Monkeys Programme as predicted that by 1988 20% of the [unclear: ch ren] born in Japan would be displaying congenital dysfunctions.

It is believed that in some parts of Japan this level has already been passed. One study undertaken by the Kung'n' nwa prefecture of Tokyo followed the development of 14,920 children, born 1969-70. for seven years.

The figures returned showed that, of those children that survived birth, 13.9% are suffering from structural malformation. A further 7% have conditions for which there is no "classical" explanation Such things as holes in the heart, no natural connection between the stomach an the bowel, children with six fingers on each hand, no fingers and the like.