26
contamination was estimated by consideration both of cumulative deposition on the soil and subsequent deposition in rain of the stratospheric
component.
The deposition of radioactivity on crops and on the surface of the
earth was related to concentration in human food.
The study was limited
to consideration of hazards associated with strontium-89 and -90, and
the principal food types
in the Western diet.
Concentrations of radio-
activity in these food types were assessed and the resulting radiation
doses to people of all ages calculated monthly for 16 months, and yearly
for 99 years.
The attack assumed for this study was extremely heavy
and all weapons were assumed to be surface bursts.
The attack was
assumed to have occurred in mid spring.
The maximum concentration of strontium accumulated in the bone
of individuals who were fetuses and newborn babies at the time of attack.
Because of the small amount of uncontaminated bone, and the rapid
accretion of new bone by fetuses and children, these individuals accumu-
lated the highest concentrations and, thus, would logically receive the
highest doses.
Since adults assimilate strontium only by the exchange
of existing bone, they are relatively insensitive to high concentrations
of strontium-90 in their diet.
Teenagers, because of rapid accretion
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of new bone between the ages of 10 to 18 years, exhibit a secondary