| SCC ee J tote bel "In addition to these semiformal contacts, a large number of individual contacts were made. One interesting example of this indicates the public relations value of the film badge program. During a routine change of a personnel film tadge in Goldfield, Nev., the wearer remarked that "there must be some fine people at the test site, since they were taking such precautions even in a small place like Goldfield.” It must be recognized, however, that although relations throughout the off-site area were generally good, there are some specific areas of difficulty. or meme eeeeeeee vad | "Other informational material was distributed. The news release of the Joint Office of Test Information were widely used by monitors. However, the most valuable piece of educational material was the little yellow booklet, Atomic Test Effects in the Nevada Test Site Region. Thousands of these were distributed through schools, post offices, motels, and by other means throughout southern Nevada and Utah, and in parts of Arizona and California. This was very well received. In fact, some people thought so highly of it that they requested copies to distribute on their own. Many of these booklets were picked up by tourists and were probably carried to all parts of the Nation. "Special investigations.--It was inevitable that numerous incidents requiring investigation should arise. These were of three types, as they effectec material things, people, or livestock. All. that came to the attention of the off-site program were investigated and are documented in the files. "With respect to material things, the greatest number of complaints were from prospectors. An explanation of the transient nature of radioactivity from fallout was generally acceptable. In all cases where blast damage was reported, forms for damage claims were mailed and these are being processed in the customary manner. In those cases where contamination from radiation were reported, such as on vehicles, the zone personnel investigated and were generally able to satisfy people during these visits that no hazard existed. A number of cases of radiation damage to people were reported. nella an Lt ae om ws fp a An example of this is the attitude of the newspaper editor in Tonarah, who contrary to editorial opinion in general, has maintained a highly critical attitude toward test activities. These were investigated by the Cedar City Zone commander, Dr. Clinton G. Powell, who is a PHS doctor. This procedure was so useful that it became apparent that it was a mistake to require medical personnel to also act as zone commanders. In any future operation, a qualified doctor with radiation experience should be available within the offsite program for the sole purpose of investigating claims of personal radiation injury. "Prior contacts were made with the local doctors. All investiga- tions were made by working with local doctors. This procedure eliminated any chance of criticism about professional ethics, increased the patient's confidence in the procedure and did much to educate the local physicians in regard to radiation matters. 255