8 WORLDWIDE EFFECTS OF ATOMIC WEAPONS program similar to that proposed in this report may add considerable knowledge to many scientific endeavors, exclusive of its contribution to the problen: of Project SUNSHINE. In Chapter 5 we propose a pilot sampling program. At present a “prepilot” program is being conducted on a very small scale through the combined efforts of several individuals who have been contacted personally. The pre-pilot program is more for the purpose of getting a feel for the problem rather than an attempt to find good parameter values. We consider it urgent that the program progress to an organized pilot stage as rapidly as possible. We have made a worldwide prognosis that seems comfortably large, remembering that it is normalized to a maximum, presumably not harmful, permissible dosage of 1 pc of Sr” fixed in the bone. We re-emphasize, however, the possibility that there may be significant variations of MPC levels for different cultural populations, this factor, together with the Jarge variations in local fallout, may well result in localized dangerous levels. We consider it essential that a parallel biomedical effort on carcinogenic action of ingested and inhaled radioactive materials be closely coordinated with the sampling program. In conclusion we should like to offer the possibility of prophylactic control of Srshould the world or a local area ever reach what mightat that time be considered a dangerous level. This would be through dietary control. The megaton limit is directly proportional to the amount of available strontium in the soil. The addition of amounts of nonradioactive strontium to the soil or to materials ingested by the individual in a given area would, in effect, dilute the Sr°° he would be taking up in his diet. This action should reduce the bone retention of Sc? proportionately. The limit is also inversely proportionate to the normal strontium content of the bone. Individuals who tend to accumulate high amounts of normal Ne a believed that such individuals accumulate strontium, at least partially, in lieu of the calcium which is deficient in their diet. The suggested prophylactic action is obvious—more calcium in the diet. There undoubtedly will be found other means of protection. Control of INTRODUCTION AND CONCLUSIONS 9 coritaminants, be they infective or radiological, does not appear to be beyond the capability of man. REFERENCES 1. Letter to the Editor, London Times, December 24, 1949. 2. The Effects of Atomic Weapons, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, June, 1950. 3, HoLtzMaN, B., “The Effects of Atomic Bomb Explosions on Weather,” Weatherwise, Vol. 4, No. 1, February, 1951. 4. National Bureau of Standards Handbook 47, June 29, 1951. 5. RopiNson, W. ©., L. A. STEENKOENIG, AND C. F, Miter, “The Relation of Some of the Rarer Elements in Soils and Plants,” U.S. Department of Agriculture Bulletin 600, December 10, 1917.