~ 35 All of this information on the Palomares incident is subject to correction by those who have firsthand knowledge. Since available data indicate that more plutonium probably would be inhaled during passage of the cloud than by the process of resuspension, and the former may result in only a 5 to 10 rem dose to the lungs, there may be some discussion on how extensive should be the clean-up or decontamination efforts. of those efforts. Probably the answer lies in the feasibility In time of a "nuclear mass disaster" decontamination measures solely for plutonium probably would not have first priority. At other times it is a question of valued judgment - what is operationally feasible and what is acceptable in ‘terms of public reactions? In any event it is comforting to know the data indicate that following the scattering of the plutonium from a bomb the potential dose to the lungs would not be large and that the dose due to resuspension probably would be less even if decontamination measures are not instituted REFERENCES 1. Summary Report, Test Group 57; Report No. ITR-515 (Del.), Shreve, J. D., Jr. Office of Technical.Services, Department of Commerce, Washington, D. C. 2. 20235. April 1958. Operation Roller Coaster 1963, "Biological Studies Associated with a Release of Plutonium." Wilson, Robert and Terry, Jack. Available from the Symposium Division of Pergamon Press, Ltd. DOE ARCHIVES