measured in kilo electron volts, or kev.
On Rongelap there were found three
major "energy regions," of 100, 700, and 1500 kev.
That is, within the
fallout on the ground there were particles which were being emitted in these
three general regions (levels) of strength.
Fallout Samples
A third source of
information upon which would be based whole-body doses,
was actual fallout material.
(incinerated coral)
By studying the radioactive calcium oxide
scientists determined the mixture of different
elements and their energies.
However,
radioactive
it is interesting to note that the
doses calculated for all the exposed persons, according to the 1956 report by
the AEC, "came from fallout samples taken soon after the detonation at points
—
~~
~~
some distance from the contaminated atolls.’
(p.6)
Why the samples were not
collected from the islands on which the people were exposed was not explained.
One of the important factors in calculating the amount of radiation
exposure is the length of time of the fallout
itself.
could be estimated was from the reading on Rongerik, and personal eyewitness
estimates of time.
Neorwmale
ko
—
—~
—
——
——
Based on the early and later readings at Rongerik,
it appeared that the
period of fallout was about 16 hours, or, a long fallout.
information,
However, other
including reports of persons who saw the fallout,
it was shorter than 16 hours and that it ended early.
indicated that
A long fallout also
conflicted with readings taken later.
Finally,
or not
the result would be nearly the same,
the fallout was long, or short,
since in a short
length of
time as
fallout,
it was concluded that whether
the heavier material would descend during the same
it would during a
95
neon
The only way this
long
fallout.
Im other words,
the heaviest