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Post-accident inhalation exposure and experience with plutonium

Conference ·
OSTI ID:3617
This paper addresses the issue of inhalation exposure immediately afterward and for a long time following a nuclear accident. For the cases where either a nuclear weapon burns or explodes prior to nuclear fission, or at locations close to a nuclear reactor accident containing fission products, a major concern is the inhalation of aerosolized plutonium (Pu) particles producing alpha-radiation. We have conducted field studies of Pu- contaminated real and simulated accident sites at Bikini, Johnston Atoll, Tonopah (Nevada), Palomares (Spain), Chernobyl, and Maralinga (Australia).
Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Defense Programs (DP)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
3617
Report Number(s):
UCRL-JC-131173; ON: DE00003617
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English