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ON’
Joint Task Force SEVEN
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Task Group 7.3 .
Washington 25, D. C.
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et {Operation Plan
tat
4%
TG
7.3
No.
7 Deceriber 1953, 1200R
1-53
Appendix II_to Annex G
Lote 4
1.
ahrtirren Gy
Hazards Resulting from,Atomic. Bomb Explosions
Nature of Hazards
7
Deeeanop Yan dv.)-5>
Access No. G1 A 17 4D Bon ny
Folder ATE 7 ¢1r@- 7.3 —
Location WNRC
Acewey
RG 374 Deeewse Puterceae.
a. When an atomic bomb explosion occurs, tremendous quantities of
energy in a variety ef forms are released. This energy is propagated out—
ward in all directions,
».
The immediate reaction is intense emission of ultraviolet, visible
and infrared (heat) radiation, gamma rays and neutrons,
panied by the formation of a large ball of fire,
This is accom
A large part of the
energy from the explosion is emitted as a shock wave,
The ball of fire
produces a mushroom-shapped mass ofhot gases, the top of which rises
rapidly. In the trail below the mushroom cap, a thin column is left.
The
cloud and column are then carried downwind, the direction and speed being
determined by the direction and speed of the wind at the various levels of
alr from the surface to base of mushroom cap. Part of the energy frem the
exposion results in an ocean surface wave which is considered of minor
nature directly to the Task Force,
ce
All personnel of the Task Force will be well outside of the range
of all hazards at the time of detonation, except for the light from the
fire ball. The light of explosion is so intense that permanent injury to
the eye may result from viewing the ball of fire at close range with the
naked eye or through binoculars, Ordinary dark glasses will not suffice
and all personnel who do not have the special protective glasses, which
will be issued in limited numbers by CTG 7.1, must be facing 180 degrees
from the detonation with the eyes closed.
d. The emission of dengerious nuclear radiation can be separated into
two time periods. The primary radiation which occurs at the time of the
flash is compesed of gamma rays and neutrons.
Casualties may result frem
this primary radiation if the exposure eccurs within a certain range of
ground zero. Secondary radiation is due to activation of the soil areud
ground zero and to fall-out.
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ee
Following the detonation, personnel entering shot areas will be
exposed to beta particles and gamma rays coming from induced neutron
activity in the soil and/or water, andey fission products which might
have been deposited on the ground or in the water, There may also be a
potential alpha particle hazard from the unfissioned fissionable materials
which may be deposited on the ground or in the water,
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