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TAMPLIN AND MINKLER
1. They will assure that no important aspect of the overall problem is overlooked.
2. The integration of data generated in diverse research projects
may lead to the solution of problems without lengthy experimentation
through the development of theoretical models concerning fallout and
related problems. The collection and critical evaluation of worldwide
input data and the integration of such data into theoretical models will
reveal crucial gaps in our knowledge.
3. The experimental programs can thus be directed towardfilling
gaps rather than repeating previously recorded efforts. At the same
time the existing literature will furnish important guidelines in assur-
ing appropriate experimental design. Some of the gaps will become
fruitful areas of investigation for our Bio-Medical Research Group,
and others may more appropriately be left to other laboratories within
the AEC or elsewhere.
4. Our scientists will not pursue programs that are being adequately investigated by others.
The overall problem of radionuclides in the biosphere can be
broken down into three major categories: (1) the source of the nuclide,
(2) the transport of the nuclide from the source, and (3) the interaction
of the nuclide with the biosphere. The information-retrieval and
-integration system will be directed to problems within each of these
categories.
Figure 1 is a flow chart of the overall mission problem beginning
with the source, proceeding through the transport and interaction
phases, and ending with the burden in man. Figure 2 is a further
breakdown of the physiology and biochemistry of the interaction phase
of the problem.
Source
The basis for concern over radionuclides in the biosphere is
that they are produced in large quantities in nuclear detonations and
reactors. It is therefore essential that we obtain, evaluate, and integrate
all data pertinent to concentration, chemical state, or physical state of
radionuclides that are produced and could be released to the biosphere.
In other words, it is desirable to have an inventory of fission products
and induced nuclides that could be produced in anyof a variety of
situations. Thus all the pertinent literature from past tests must be
collected and evaluated along with the literature on laboratory research
in this problem area. In addition, a great deal of theoretical study has
been applied to this problem area, and the techniques and results of
these efforts must be evaluated.
Transport
Transport implies conduction of radionuclides away from
the source by natural phenomena and includes atmospheric (tropospheric and stratospheric) and water—soil transport. Another very