a|
of course, the fallout material may be removed before the infinity dose
is delivered; yet, on the other hand, it is net improbable that it could
remain in the hair for essentially this length sf time.
In the case of
a one-hour fallout, almost one half of the dose would be delivered in
the next 24 hours.
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The efficiency of a surface for collecting and holding the fallout
material is important.
It is not surprising that the highest dose rate
readings as well as biological effects were noted on the hair of the
natives and also on parts of the exposed body where perspiration was
present.
Further, it was observed that even one layer of light cotton
material was sufficient to protect against beta skin damage in most
cases®*.
This was due probably not to the relatively small attenuation
of the betas by the clothing but rather to the physical situation of
holding the radioactive material at some distance from the skin, which
effect would be
relatively large.
An added consideration is the possibility of high beta doses
delivered to personnel from the fallout material lying on the ground
end other surfaces.
If the highest degree of contamination considered
Rey e-em
under this policy is safe when in direct contact with the skin, then
the beta dose from an equally contaminated ground will not be hazardous.
(See Criteria III for discussion on unequal contamination on personnel.)
However, it is true that the contamination may exceed the amount to
deliver dose rates given in graph I] and yet not be great enough to
consider evacuation.
Some personnel may not go indoors and those who
did will eventually be released from this restrictive action and then
may walk around in a relatively highly contaminated area.
Because of
the more limited range of the beta, the location of greatest concern
*ITR=923. Study of Response of Human Beings AccidentallyExposed
FalloutRaditon, Cronkite, E. P., et al.
May 1954.