13
instructions for preparing the comparison standards based on Dahl's
and Laug's work. 16
It should be noted, at this time (1952), it was
expected that in an atomic war only limited areas would be seriously
affected by fallout, and in those areas, the levels would be fairly low.
Relatively, weapon yields were much less -- kiloton vs megaton -- and
it was thought that the likely detonation condition would be an airburst
SO as to maximize blast effects.
approach could be used.
Therefore, a relatively conservative
The calculations were based on the assump-
tion that the total fallout activity was strontium-89 and -90; that daily
water consumption was 2.2 liters; that the strontium in fallout was
100% soluble; that 40% of the content in water is absorbed in the stomach
and GI tract; and finally, that the total dose to any macroscopic region
of the bone must be limited to 50 Reps. 14,
The results of these calculations are shown below.
ACCEPTABLE BETA-GAMMA ACTIVITY
Estimated Consumption Period
pc/ce
dps/cc
10 days:
9x 1074
3x 103
30 days
3x 1074
1 x 10°
The level 9 x 10°* microcuries per cubic centimeter of food or water
was the limit to be allowed for an assumed consumption period (10 days).
* An obsolete unit of dose, now replaced by rads.