Nuclear Weapon Effect Research at PSR (Pacific-Sierra Research Corporation) - 1983. Symptomatology of Acute Radiation Effects in Humans after Exposure to Doses of 75 to 4500 Rads (cGy) Free-in-Air
Abstract
This report distills from available data descriptions of typical human symptoms in reaction to prompt ionizing radiation in the dose range 75 to 4500 rads (cGy) free-in-air. The descriptions correlate symptoms with dose and time over the acute postexposure period of six weeks. Their purpose is to provide an empirical base for estimating combat troop performance after a nuclear weapon attack. We divide the dose range of interest into eight subranges associated with important pathophysiological events. For each subrange, we estimate the signs and symptoms manifested by an exposed population--symptom onset, severity, duration, and incidence. The early or prodromal phase of radiation sickness begins about 2 to 4 hrs after doses of 300 to 530 rads (cGy). Onset time diminishes with dose, occurring within minutes of exposure to 4500 rads (cGy). Characteristic prodromal symptoms are nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and diarrhea. The prodromal phase lasts from several days to a matter of hours, depending on dose. Symptoms of the hemopoietic syndrome are bleeding, fever, infection, and ulceration. Symptoms of the gastrointestinal syndrome are fluid loss, electrolyte imbalance, severe diarrhea, and septicemia. Keywords: Lethal Dosage; Nuclear Accidents; Radiation Therapy; Nuclear Effects; Radiation Effects; Nuclear Radiation; Symptomatology; Radiobiology; Radiation Injury; Radiation dosage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 31, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA166280
Entities
People
- George H. Anno
- H. R. Withers
- Robert W. Young
- Siegmund J. Baum