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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

STATUS REPORT ON THE FOOD CHAIN

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:4156339
Present knowledge and the expected future levels of contamination that must be taken into account in considering the biological effects of radioactivity transmitted through the food chain were summarized. The fission yield from the total testing of all nations by the end of 1958 was estimated as 92 MT. The total estimate of Sr/sup 90/ and Cs/sup 137/ production was 9.2 Mc and 13.5 Mc, respectively and Pu/sup 239/ production was calculated as 0.5 Mc. Strontium-90 in relation to calcium was studied in milk and milk products, cereals, flour, vegetables, fruits, eggs, meat, and fish. The intake in humans and distribution in the bones were investigated, Cesium-137 was studied in relation to potassium in milk and other food items. The environmental incorporation and distribution of Cs/sup 137/ and its levels in human beings were determined. The relationship between fall-out and food contamination was studied. (M.C.G.)
Research Organization:
United Nations. Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation
NSA Number:
NSA-14-022744
OSTI ID:
4156339
Report Number(s):
A/AC.82/R.80
Country of Publication:
Country unknown/Code not available
Language:
English