POSSIBLE DOSE TO MAN FROM SUCH AREAS Martin and Bloom (1975) have utilized this kind of information to produce a théoretical model to predict how much Pu might possibly reach man from such an area. Their model was based on several assumptions which, although useful for such projects, have otherwise little in common with reality. For example, their hypo- thetical subject for dose calculation purposes was a man who lived for 50 yrs within a major contaminated area of NTS where he received most of his sustenance in the form of meat and vegetables grown within the same contaminated area. Even with these unreal- istic assumptions, a relatively samll part of the NIS area which was the subject of the model contained sufficient Pu to provide a dose to critical human tissue above the maximum permissible dose for the public at large, based on ICRP (1959) standards. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The Martin Bloom model is to date the only overall evaluation of possible hazards from the Pu-contaminated areas of NTS. Its utilization of unrealistic parameters is recognized by the builders, and these parameters were used as a worst conceivable case. Even if one assumes these worst possible cases as being a serious hazard, it would appear to be useful, before a cleanup of these areas occurs, for the parameters to be examined more closely to find whether there may be ways of modification short of removal or immobilization of soil surfaces. The alternative to active cleanup or soil immobilization is to do nothing. What follows then is a defense of the proposal to do nothing other than exclude as much physical activity in Pu-contaminated areas as is possible. Let us then examine that action and the advantages and disadvantages of such action. 174