sree
a
~d—
equivalents per
day.
4, The probability ie~that at least 10° bombs would
have to be exploded in the U.S,S.32. to give a nrobability of 1 that a
nergon in the U.S.A, would receive one particle, based on somewhat
Simplified caiculationa,
5.
The significance of a single particle has yet to be
determined. It is my nersonal feeling that it would be relatively
slight and that multiple particles would be required before producing
either significant necrosis of the lung or pulmonary cancer.
Con¢glusion:
present time.
The pulmonary hazard cannot be evaluated at the
(C) Absorption of nlutonium follewing inhalatfon and subse-
quent deposition in the skeleton.
1.
This cannot be evaluated at
present and is probably
much less of a hagard than either (A) or (ay
(D)
Zxternal radiation from the fission vroducts.
1. This is negligible except in immediately local areas.
Studies made previously indicate fantastic numbers of bombs would be
required for significant effect,
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. In the light of oresent knowledge 3 x 10° bombs should be
taken as the number which will probably cause gerious damage to personnel
through crop contanination if detonated within one growing season and
within an area of 350,000 square miles.
2. Obvtaining of further experimental data on the significance
of radioactiys particles wit in the lung and on the metabolism in aumans
of atrontium™? piltis yttrium’
should have high priority.
3. At a subsequent test air burst detailed studies of particle
size and the long-range movement of particles should be made.
Sincerely yours,
SW:NF
OFFICE »
SURNAME
|
a
a
Shields Warren, M. 5,
-- Director, Division of Biology
and Medicine