Monthly status Report, May1981 <5 - Biology and Medicine Loan of Radiation Detection Instruments Loans of instruments for state or local civil defense training were made to South Dakota, Maine, and the City of Tacoma, Washington, during the month. Bio ics Report on Radiation Protection Criteria At the request of Mr. William L. Borden, Executive Director of the Joint Congressional Committee on Atomic Energy, a report was prepared explaining the activities of the Division of Biology and Medicine in the control of radiation hazards in AEC operations, ite efforts to reduce the costs of radiation protection whersver possible, and its philosophy in maintaining a high level of protection. In particular, the report pointed out that present AEC policies have resulted in a very low radiation injury rate, emall need for extra-hazard pay to labor, normal insurance rates for most workers, and ready psychological acceptance of.atomic energy developmental activities by woriers and the general populace alike. Because of the unexpectedly hich hazard due to neutrons, wd because of genetic effects not yet fully evaluated, the Division does not presently feel justified in recommending any relaxation of ites present criteria for radiation health protection. quam Feasibility Studies on the Proposed Continental Underground Tests A member of the Biophysics Branch staff actively participated in the study of the feasibility of carrying out a proposed underground atomic test in the continental United States. Activities in this connection have included (1) working with AFSWP in preparing calculationg as a preliminary study; (2) reviewing the results of these calculations for members of the Commission and for the General Advisory Committees amt (3) participating as a member of the Ad Hoc Panel which recommended the criteria under which such a test might be safely carried out. This Panel, consisting of five consulting specialists, ami members of the APSHP, AEC, Los Alamos and Sandia staffa, recommenied thet a preliminary shot be carried out at a depth aufficieant to render the hasard negligible, yet such that observations could be made on which to base approval of nore shallow shots. Criteria of safety were analyzed and recommended. Minutes of the meting, including additional caleulations, were prepared by the Biophysics Branch. GPo OFFICE » SURNAME 16—B55741-1