ACUTE RADIATION DEATH RESULTING FROM AN ACCIDENTAL NUCLEAR CRITICAL EXCURSION

Journal Article · Wed Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · J. Occupational Med.

OSTI ID:4063409

An accidental critical excursion took place in the plutonium recovery plant of the Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory on Dec. 30, 1958. The average whole-body dose in the lethal caee wse estimated at between 3900 and 4900 rads, with the incident dose to the upper abdomen calculated to be approximately 12000 rads of neutrons plus gamma radiation. Two other workers received total doses of approximately 130 and 35 rads, respectively, most of which was gamma radiation. The critical excursion took place in a tank of solution from which plutonium was being recovered, and the number of fissions was calculated to be approximately 1.5 x lO/sup 15/. The accident and subsequent events are recounted. The clinical case of the fatality is reviewed in detail. Data are included from routine chemical and pathological studies and special biochemical studies, whole- body counts, and gamma spectral measurements, dosimetric calculations, and health physics studies of area radiation levels. It was clearly apparent that the radiation dose varied widely in different parts of the body and even in different parts of the same organ. Results of clinical studies, covering the 14 months following the accident, are presented for the two workers who were exposed to non- lethal doses. Analysis of blood data led to the conclusion that changes following exposures in excess of 100 rads are characteristic and of clinical significancs, whereas dosss below 50 rads produce blood changes which are too slight to bs of any diagnostic value. 55 references. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-15-014154
• OSTI ID: 4063409
• Journal Information: J. Occupational Med., Journal Name: J. Occupational Med. Vol. Vol: 3: Spec. Suppl.
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BLOOD
GAMMA RADIATION
GAMMA SPECTROMETERS
LETHAL DOSE
MEDICINE
NEUTRONS
PERSONNEL
PLUTONIUM
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION SICKNESS
SAFETY