QE
ees SL
i
SEC
elements nor gross fission products will meet all the
specifications established for the gamma radiation facility.
of
the long-lived isotopes, cobalt-60 and cesium-137 are the only
sources with a good probability of meeting the specifications.
Cobalt offers the advantages of relative safety and ease of
handling,
and lends itself to use in a compact radiation facility.
However, the only present source of suitable cobalt for this
purpose is to be found in AEC production facilities, at some
expense to the production of weapons materials.
An advantage to
the.use of cesium is that it would be available from waste fission
products at no expense of fissionable material.
time, however,
At the present
the capacity of existing separation facilities is
inadequate to provide the required guantity (now estimated to be
approximately 30 megacuries).
11. As long as no positive steps are taken toward the
procurement of a specific gamma source for food irradiation, there
will continue to be new suggestions offered and new data developed.
The inevitable result will be continued postponement of a firm
choice, with a consequent delay in
the achievement of a useful
gamma source for this application.
Accordingly, there should be
agreement on a single course of joint action.
Because a shift
from the FIR to another and undefined concept could be expected
to involve a considerable delay and possibly increased costs, it
appears expedient to proceed with the original plan
calling for
a reactor gamma source,
Recommended AEC Position
12. Recognizing that it is essential to pursue diligently
a single course of action, it 1s recommended that the AEC either: