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Reproduction would not cease, the gene iamage from the Sr’” 90 would
not be dangerous andthe insult to the population would not continue
indefinitely.
In summary, we believe:
1.
The problem of contaminated food and water is far less
important than the problem of external gamma radiation.
2.
Hungry or thirsty people or animals should not be denied
food or water because of possible fallout contamination.
3.
If possible, during the first weeks postattack, water from
open reservoirs and fresh milk from cattle grazing
on contaminated
pasture should be avoided, especially for use by small children.
4.
It is not practicable to pre-set maximum permissible levels
of gross fallout radioactivity as a basis for judging whether or not food
or water should be used.
5.
Further study, especially about the long-term strontium-90
problem, both requirements and methods for decontamination, is needed.
Development of a rationale for allocating the foods containing varying
levels of Sr?9 contamination is essential.