ae.
Average gamma radiation levels were taken routinely at all
JTF-8 radiological safety stations.
Normal background for the is-
lands in the Central Pacific is 0.01 to 0.03 millircentgens per
hour (mr/hr).
The greatest increases in gamma background were re-
corded on Fanning Island on May 6, 1962, on Palmyra Island on
June 12, 1962, and on Washington Island on July 14, 1962, with all
stations showing a rise to 0.04 mr/hr.
Tabulated date indicate
that there was no significant change in background in the Central
Pacific area as a result of Operation Dominic.
The total radiation exposure due to fallout as recarded by
film badges from Operation Dominic, was essentially zero on
Christmas Island.
The maximum infinity dose on both Penrhyn
Island and Washington Island, as calculated by external ganma ra-
diation measurements, was less than 10 mrem.
This is below the
level of detection of film badges.
Summary of Results During Test Operations
Fanning Island
..
.
No significant fallout occurred.
An increase in air concen-
tration to 20 ywuc/M? occurred on May 24, 1962. Jission product
activity was detected also in scavola and grass samples .2/
The
highest precipitation deposition occurred during the period of
June 26-July 8, 1962.
However, levels of radioactivity detected
DOE ARCHIV!
1/ Since there are few grazing animals present on these islands,
levels of contamination of grass and scavola are only indicative of same faliout.
—
Qe,
be