Operation TEAPOT. Nevada Test Site February - May 1955. Project 37.3. Evaluation of the Acute Inhalation Hazard from Radioactive Fall-Out Materials by Analysis of Results from field Operations and Controlled Inhalation Studies in the Laboratory,
Abstract
An evaluation of the acute inhalation hazard from radioactive fall-out materials has been made by analysis of results from animal exposures during field operations and from controlled inhalation studies in the laboratory. The results from exposing several groups of rabbits to fall-out material (by inhalation only) at stations located along two arcs, 7 and 106 miles from a tower detonation, are almost entirely negative. Urine specimens obtained during the first day following detonation contained minute but measurable amounts of soluble radioactive material which had a relatively short half life (1 to 2 days). Lung specimens had no detectable radioactivity when measured 6 to 21 day later; however, samples of intestine from the same animals still had measurable levels of beta activity. From careful consideration of numerous pertinent physical and physiological factors and from analysis of field and laboratory investigations, it is evident that there is no apparent situation in nuclear warfare where, during the first few days after the detoantion, one could inhale sufficient radioactive material to induce a serious radiation injury to lungs or intestines without simultaneously being subjected to supralethal doses of external beta-gamma radiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1957
- Accession Number
- ADA073470
Entities
People
- G. V. Taplin
- H. Kade
- O. M. Meredith Jr.
Organizations
- United States Atomic Energy Commission