AN EVALUATION OF THE HUMAN RETINAL BURN PROBLEM ARISING FROM ATOMIC DETONATIONS,
Abstract
The general problem of retinal burns resulting from nuclear detonations within the atmosphere was investigated. The work in the field was reviewed and employed in this study in order to allow quantitative assessment of the danger of eye burn in any particular situation. Burns will occur when the radiant intensity reaches a value of around 0.6 to 2.0 cal/sq cm on the retina. Maximum distances for threshold burn based on 2 cal/sq cm from low altitude bursts can extend for as much as 25 miles (daytime) to 75 miles (nighttime) depending upon the visibility and the yield of the weapon. The problem is minimized for most situations because the fireball will not be in the field of vision for most people. For those for whom it is in the field of vision, the size of the image and its location on the retina, are important in determining actual damage to sight. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 1959
- Accession Number
- AD0608877
Entities
People
- H. H. Mitchell
- W. R. Elswick
Organizations
- RAND Corporation