FALLOUT FROM NUCLEAR WEAPONS TESTS
AT
NEVADA TEST SITE
Summary Statements
1.
With the resumption of nuclear tests in Nevada on
September 15, 1962, the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission has detonated 52 nuclear devices in underground chambers which were designed to contain the radioactivity.
In addition, six devices
were detonated either in the atmosphere or at a shallow depth
underground.
These six devices were detonated only under condi-
tions that would minimize exposures to populated off-site areas.
A summary of the data on fallout fram the nuclear detonations at
the Nevada Test Site since September 15, 1961, is attached.
2.
The highest exposure to any off-site person (as recorded
on personnel film badges) was 438 milliroentgens.
The Federal
Radiation Council's Guide for normal peacetime operations is
1500 milliroentgens per year to individuals, and 500 milliroentgens per year when the technique is used of measuring a suitable
sample of the population.
An operational guide of 3.9 roentgens
was used by the Test Organization in the following context:
AEC
Staff Paper 604/65, dated June 12, 1962, entitled OFF-SITE ©
RADIATION EXPOSURE CRITERIA FOR NEVADA TEST SITE, recorded "the
clarification of a basic guide of 3.9 roentgens estimated dose per
year to off-site populations for nuclear weapons tests at the
Nevada Test Site; every reasonable effort should be made to keep
was