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with ulceration; and third degree, lesions which show deeper dermal involvement
with breakdown and the development of chronic radiation dermatitis.
It can be
eeen that there is a considerable variation in dose reported to produce the
various reactions.
In the Marshallese the dose to the skin oould not be calculated with any
degree of accuracy due to the aforementioned reasons.
The majority of the beta
radiation was of low energy (average 0.1 mev, Sondhaus et al.) and accounted
for the fact that most of the legions were superficial in nature.
However, ©
there was sufficient penetration of more energetic components at the level of
the hair follicles to result in temporary epilation.
Due to the rapid attema-
tion of beta particlsas in tissue, the skin surface dose may have been quite
high.
The contribution of beta radiation to the skin of the Marshallese from
the ground haa been estimated by Sondhaus gt al. to have been about 2,000 rep
to the feet, 600 rep at hip level and 300 rep to the head,
These doses vere
insufficient in themselves tc produce detectable lesions, though they probably
contributed significantly to the severity of the foot lesions that occurred.
__-© EFFECTS OF FALLOUT RADIATION ON THE SKIN,
0-1 ACUTE EFFECTS.
In general beta radiation effects on the skin
are similar to effects produced by more penetrating radiation such as gamma
or x-radiation (Low-Beer; MacKee, Cipollaro and Montgomery; Warren; Nodl; and
Walbach),
However, the less penetrating beta radiation produces more super~
ficial lesions with less damage to the dermis.
The lesions are more like those
produced by grenz-rays and ultra-violet rays (MacKee, Cipollaro and Montgomery;
Ellinger).
Consequently, they are usually leas painful and heal more rapidly.
The time sequence of beta lesions varies considerably with the dose to the skiz
A general description of the sequence of changes is presented below.
my ps
mot
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EARLY EFFECTS.
During the first 24-48 hours after exrosure,
ETSY itching, burning, or tingling sensations of the skin are usually experienced.