Dose assessment, radioecology, and community interaction at former nuclear test sites
The US conducted a nuclear testing program at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls in the Marshall Islands from 1946 through 1958. A total of 66 nuclear devices were tested--23 at Bikini Atoll (total yield of 77 megatons) and 43 at Enewetak Atoll (total yield of 33 megatons). This resulted in contamination of many of the islands at each atoll. The BRAVO test (yield 15 megatons) on March 1, 1954 contaminated several atolls to the east of Bikini Atoll some of which were inhabited. The author has conducted an experimental, monitoring, and dose assessment program at atolls in the northern Marshall Islands for the past 20 years. The goals have been to: (1) determine the radiological conditions at the atolls; (2) provide dose assessments for resettlement options and alternate living patterns; (3) develop and evaluate remedial measures to reduce the dose to people reinhabiting the atolls; and (4) discuss the results with each of the communities and the Republic of the Marshall Islands government officials to help them understand the data as a basis for resettlement decisions. The remaining radionuclides at the atolls that contribute any significant dose are {sup 137}Cs, {sup 90}Sr, {sup 239+240}Pu, and {sup 241}Am.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 125037
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-JC-119117; CONF-941066-1; ON: DE96002038; TRN: 95:024646
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: International conference on radiation and society: comprehending radiation risks, Paris (France), 24-28 Oct 1994; Other Information: PBD: Nov 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Radiation doses for Marshall Islands Atolls Affected by U.S. Nuclear Testing:All Exposure Pathways, Remedial Measures, and Environmental Loss of 137Cs
Aerial radiological and photographic survey of eleven atolls and two islands within the Northern Marshall Islands. Dates of surveys, July-November 1978
Related Subjects
APPLIED STUDIES
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
MARSHALL ISLANDS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
CESIUM 137
RADIATION MONITORING
DOSIMETRY
STRONTIUM 90
PLUTONIUM 239
PLUTONIUM 240
AMERICIUM 241
RADIATION DOSES
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE PATHWAY
DATA