140
THE SHORTER-TERM BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS OF A FALLOUT FIELD
EFFECTS OF FALLOUT RADIATION ON THE SKIN
Figures 2, 3, 4, and5 illustrate typical lesions
TH ne
in the Marshallese people.
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REFERENCES
Tn conclusion I wouldlike fo summarizea few
1. Cronxite, K. P., Bown, V. P., Conarp, R.A,
Suuuman, N. R., Conn, 8. H., Duna, C. L.,
fallout on the skin, largely as a result of our
Marshallese expericnce:
1. The best prophylactic measure, of
course, is avoiding getting the fallout on the
Hecxrer, H. H., Woon, D. A., ApEn, E. A.,
Brownins, L, E., Ratnenarr, R. W., Gone,
J. K, Roszrteon, J. S., Mine, W. L.: The
effects of ionizing radiation on humanbeings: a
report on the Marshallese and Americans acci-
things we have learned about the effects of
Farr, R. 8. Sanpnaus, ©. A. Swarr, R.,
dentally exposed to radiation from fallout and a
discussion of radiation injury in the human
being. U. 8. Government
Washington, 25, D. C., 1956.
Printing
Office,
2. Conran, R. A, Cannon, Braprorp, Huearns,
C, EB, Ricuanns, J. B., Lowery, Austin: Medieal survey of Marshallese two years after exposure to fallout radiation, BLN 412 (T- 80),
Brookhaven National Laboratory, March 1956,
3. Knownron N. P., Lerrer, E., Hocnzss, J. R.,
Hemrepmann, TL. H., Buanzy, L. F., Grou,
D. C., Oaxas, W. R., and Suarer, C. L.; Reta
ray burns of human skin. J, A. M. A. 141:
239-246, 1949.
il
4, Ronpins, L. L., Aus, J. C., Cops, 0., Cogan, D. G.,
Lanaour, J. L., Croup, R. W., and Mrrrine,
Q. E.: Superficial “burns” of skin and eyes from
scattered cathode rays, Radiology 46: 1~23, 1946.
5. Crawrorp, §., Leonard or cathode ‘ray’ dermatitis, Areh, of Dermat. and Syph. 27: 579-583,
Fieure 4.—Epilation in 7-year old girl at 28 days.
Case No. 72.
Fieurn 2.—Beta radiation lesions of the feet at 4 weeks
after exposure.
skin by taking shelter or covering as much of
the bodyas possible with clothing. Prompt
decontamination of the skin by thorough
scrubbing with soap or detergent and water is
of extremeimportance. Ifthe hair is seriously
contaminated and difficulty is encountered in
decontamination, shaving of the head is
indicated.
Tn the Marshallese certain factors afforded
protection against the developmentoflesions:
(1) Shelter, (2) Bathing, swimming, wading,
(3) Clothing. Certain factors also favored.
the development of lesions: (1) As pointed
out areas where perspiration is more profuse,
(2) Delay in decontamination, and (3)
u (
A\
exposure,
3. However,
in
situations
where
1933,
6 Low-Brex, B. V. A.: External therapeutic use of
radio phosphorous, 3. Erythema studies, Radiology 47: 213, 1946.
. Wien, J. E., and Rarer, J. R.: Biological effects
of external beta radiation, Chap. 12, MeGraw-
skin
lesions are associated with larger whole body
doses of radiation i. e. in the lethal range or
above, with greater homatopoetic depression,
the lesions would become more easily infected,
possibly affording portals of entry, leading to
bacteremia or septicemia.
4. Severe skin irradiation with minimal
Hill Book Co., Inc, First. Edition, New York,
1951.
8. Koyama, Y,, eé at, Iryo (published by Iryvo Dokokai, Medical Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Health
and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan). 9: No. 1, 5-45,
Jan, 1956.
whole bodyirradiation might result in situa-
9. Paysincer, J, Pucumizo, M. P., Srxes, D., West,
tions where promp evacuation from the contaminated area occurred, but skin decontamination was delayed.
.
'
5. Early skin and eve symptoms might be
J. L., Cowan, C. L., Hansarp, 8. L., Topas,
C.8., and Hoon, 8. L.: Fission product retention
and pathology of Alamogordo cattle, AEC
Report. UT-AEC-1, 1953.
Difficulties in decontamination.
2. Moderately severe beta lesions of the
skin and epilation may result from fallout
mildly disabling during the first day or two
1
ting dose of radiation is sublethal.
associated with full blown lesions might be
quite disabling. Late effects on the skin in
the form of chronic radiation dermatitis and
situations in which the whole body penetra~
Fiaune 3.—~Samecase in Figure 2 at 6 months after
Fieurr §.—Same case as in Figure 4 stz months after
exposure showing complete regrowth ef normal hair.
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:
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With
such doses the skin lesions do not appear to
complicate the radiation syndrome.
after exposure to fallout and later symptoms
malignancyare possible complications.
Major Activities in Atomic Energy Programs, JulyDecember 1953. United States Atomic Energy
Commiasion, 15th Semiannual Report, Jan. 1954,
p. 50.
. Hensuaw, P. S., Sniper, RK, S., and River, E. F.:
Aberrant tissue developments in rats exposed to
beta rays, Radiology 52: 401-415, 1949.
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