SEcTIon y
CONTAMINATION OF WATER, AIR AND FOODSTUFFS
Background
In any area where the theoretical gamma infinity dose exceeds 10
roentgens, adequate sampling of the water, air, and foodstuffs should be
made to ascertain the conditions of possible contamination, if for no
other reasons than as precautionary and documentary measures.
Based on
past data, however, it is not expected that under those conditions of
fallout where the radiation levels are below those stipulated for possible |
evacuation, that the degree of contamination would be a health hazard.
Nor is it implied here that any level above this does constitute a serious
contamination of water, air, or foodstuffs.
One good point of reference
is tzs Marshallese experience where the whole-body gamma exposure wes
175 roentgens yet tre internal deposition from ingestion and inhalation
was relatively smeii.
In the event of a relatively heavy fallout, but
vb
less <nan ons caliizcz Tor evacuation, a common sense rule would-be to
wasn ¢xrosed foods, such as leafy vegtables, since this is the most prepablis mate cf intake of activity.
CREUEPTA 7
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.
Monitoring of sir, food and water shculd be meade as soon as
possible in areas where the infinity dose equals or exceeds iv
roentgens.
There need be no restrictive action imposed on food
and water intake in areas where the fallout is less than that
calling for evacuation.
Washing off of such exposed foods as
leafy vegtables may be advised when such action seems desirable.
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