OFFICIAL IGE ONLY =e "The Genetics Committee states that atomic power plants and disposal of atomic wastes ‘are future sources of radiation that might become dangerous.'... (p. 6) "There 18 a remote possibility that a reactor accident might release radioactivity over thousands of square miles. By the year 2000, the release of only one percent of the worldwide strontium inventory could produce twice the maximum permissible concentration in the global atmosphere, and this amout could seriously contaminate the entire earth. International control to establish and maintain high standards of safe plant operation is essential, "The 'layman's summaryt of the report states that: ‘when a worldwide atomic power industry becomes fully developed, its accumulated waste products might represent more radiation than would be released in an atomic war.' After making this eye-catching statement, the report states: . 'Of course, this radiation will be imprisoned, not broadcast.!..! (pp. 7-8) Ze The AEC Staff Study points out that: "The conclusions of the report regarding weapons testing are fairly good from our point of view. Although it is clear that the Genetics Committee considers testing as harmful trom the genetic point of view, it states emphatically that the hazard from testing is small compared to that from the natural background or from the medical use of X-rays. (p. 9) "The report's discussion of possible radiological hazarda from industrial and waste disposal operations may lead to exaggerated stories. Here, we need to background correspondents on the great care the Commission always has taken to prevent hazardous release of radioactivity, the various precautions which are in effect in the Commission's own operations and its regulations to control commercial operations, and the research which is going on in such areas as waste disposal. In doing so, we should not appear to throw down the report's cell for much more research on a speeded-up schedule." (p. 10) 3. Copies of the Staff Study were furnished to members of the Working Group (State, Defense, CIA, USIA, ODM, FCDA) and to Gov. Stassen's Office, with specific attention draw to the questions and answers on pages 11-16 which coukd form the basis of guidance to information media, It was recognized among members present that the provisions of NSC Action 1360 would apply to discussions of fallout from weapons tests and that any comment on this subject would have to be cleared with the Chairman, AKC, in accordance with the NSC Action. It was also agreed generally among representatives present that any further statements would be cleared with AkC, which would act as a coordinating point in this respect, OFFICIAL UWONLY