Appendix Iit to Annex N . Radiological Safety, CJTF SEVEN Operation Plan No. 3--53 HAZARDS RESULTING PROM ATOMIC BOMB EXPTLOSTONS a. Nature of Hasards a. When an atomic bomb explosion occurs, tremendous quantities of “energy in a variety of forms are released. ted outward in all directions. b. This energy is propaga- The iumediate reaction is intense emission of ultraviolet, vi- sible ard infrared (heat) radiation, gamma rays and neutrons, This is accsapanied by the formation of a large ball of fire. A larse part of the energy from the explosion is emitted as a shock wave. The ball of fre produces a mshroca-shaped nass of hot gasses, the top of wiich rises rapidly. In the trail below the cushroem cap, a thin column is left. The cloud and column are then carried downwind, 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 explssicn results in an ocean surface wave which is considered of ainor nature directly to the task force, @. 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 permanent injury to the eye may result froma viewing the ball of fire at close range with the naked eye or through binoculars. Ordinary dark Glasses will not suffice and all personel who do not have the spe- clal protective glasses, which will be iesued in limited mumbers by % 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 orimary radiation which cecurs at the time of the flash is composed of gamma rays and neutrons. Casual- ties may result from this primary radiation if the exposure occurs within a certain range of ground zero. Secondary radiation is due t> activation of the soil around ground zero and to fall-out. e. Follewing 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 fiasion products which might have been deposited on the ground. There may also be a potential alpha particle hasard. from the unfissioned fissionable saterials which may be deposited on the ground. Protection a. Against the primary radiological effects, distance will provide protection. b. Against the seccendary radioactivity hazards from radicective fis- sion products, induced radioactivity and unfissioned residue, detes- tion and avoidance provide the best protection. Suitable instruments indicate both the presence and intensity of radioactivity at a giver place. Area reconnaissance, the maintenance of contamination a 4-1