VI.
FALLOUT FROM ATMOSPHERIC NUCLEAR WEAPONS TEST IN PACIFIC AREA
OPERATION DOMINIC
April-July 1962
Summary Statements
1.
Documentation of radioactive contamination resulting from
the U. S. tests at Christmas Island was conducted jointly by Joint
Task Force Eight (JTF-8) Radiation Safety personnel and University
of Washington personnel under AEC contract.
The off-site area
covered was approximately 2000 miles in radius, measured from
Christmas Islend.
All populated islands in this area were
monitored.
2.
Bio-envirommental samples were taken on Christmas Island
in April 1962, before testing began and in the same locations in
August 1962, after testing had ceased.
Preliminary evaluation of
available data on foodstuffs revealed little change in the levels
of radioactive contamination between these two sets of
measurements.
During the operational period, transient increases
of beta activity were detected in air and precipitation samples at
some off-site stations.
Film badge readings indicated no radiation
exposures from fallout to any JIF-8 personnel or native POEOEARCHIVES
above normal background radiation levels.
The film badges used are
ineffective at radiation exposures of less than 30 milliroentgens.
3.
With completion of the testing program at Johnston Island
in early November, bio-environmental sampling in the vicinity is
planned for the nesr future.
This program will be accomplished by
personnel of the University of Washington, under AEC contract.
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