C.
Skin Exposures
Background Information -
Radioactive fallout debris emits beta particles some of which
emerge from fallout material with sufficient range in air to reach
from the ground to the head of an erect man.
There has been no observed
skin damage, however, except from relatively heavy fallout where the
radioactive fallout material has remained in direct contact with the
bare skin.
Even a single layer of cotton clothing apparently greatly
reduces the radiation dose from beta particles.
There are several
factors that may account for these effects, but to date there is no conpletely satisfactory explanation.
. @.500
Approximately/roentgen dose delivered by beta particles from
fallout debris delivered to the base of the outer layer of the skin
tissue (the epidermis) is required to produce erythema (reddening of
the skin).
dose.
A similar result from X-rays would require less radiation
At somewhat higher doses from beta particles emitted by fallout
debris €pilation (loss of hair) may occur.
At still higher doses more
serious skin damage may be expected with such symptoms as ulceration.
The Data Skin damage from beta burns was first observed on some cattle
grazing near the Alamogordo, New Mexico Test Site following the first
nuclear detonation on July 16, 1945.
Epilation was observed in patches
where the fallout debris had supposedly remained in place.
The hair
grew back, white in color, and no other adverse effects have been.
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