HEADQUARTERS, Joint Task Force SEVEN Washington 25, D.C. 10 November 1953 Appendix IIT to Annex N Radiological Safety, CJTF SEVEN Operation Plan No. 3--53 HAZARDS RESULTING FROM ATOMIC BOMB EXPLOSIONS 1. Nature of Hazards a. When an atomic bomb explosion occurs, tremendous quantities of energy an © variety of forms are released. This energy is prcpagated outward in all directions. b. The immediate reaction is intense emission of ultraviolet, vie sible and infrared (heat) radiation, gamma rays and neutrons. This is accompanied by the formation of a large ball of fire. A large part of the energy from the explosion is emitted as a shock wave. The ball of fire produces a mushroom-shaped mass of hot gasses, the top of which rises rapidly. In the trail below the mushroom cap, a thin column is left. The cloud and column are then carried dowmwind, the direction and speed being determined by the direction and speed of the wind at the various levels of air from the surface to base of mushroom cap. Part of the energy from the explosion results in an ocean surface wave which is considered of minor nature directly to the task force, c. All personnel of the task force will be well outside of the range of all hazard at the time of detonation, except for the light from the fire ball. The light of explosion is so intense that per- manent injury to the eye may result from viewing the ball of fire at close range with the naked eye or through binoculars. Ordinary dark glasses will not suffice and all personnel who do not have the spe- cial protective glasses, which will be issued in limited numbers by 1G 7.1, mst be facing 180 degrees from the detcnaticn with the eyes closed. d. The emission of dangerous nuclear radiation can be separated into two time periods. The primary radiation which occurs at the time of the flash is composed of gamma rays and neutrons. Casualties may result from this primary radiation if the exposure occurs within a certain range of ground zero. Secondary radiation is due to activation of the soil around ground zero and to fall-out. e. Following the detonation, personnel entering shot areas will be exposed to beta particles and gamma rays coming from induced neutron activity in the soil and any fission products which might have been deposited on the ground. There may also be a potential alpha particle hazard from the unfissioned fissionable materials which may be deposited on the ground. Protection a. Against the primary radiological effects, distance will provide protection. b. Against the secondary radioactivity hazards from radioactive fis~ sion products, induced radioactivity and unfissioned residue, detection and avoidance provide the best protection. Suitable instruments indicate both the presence and intensity of radioactivity at a given place. Area reconnaissance, the maintenance of contamination N-ITI-]