BETA-GAMMA SKIN HAZARD IN THE POSTSHOT CONTAMINATED AREA

Technical Report · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1953

OSTI ID:4205386

Brennan, J T

Theoretical calculations for certain idealized geometries have indicated that in a bomb contaminated area the beta radiation dose-rate should far exceed the gamma dose-rate at all points less than 2 meters above the ground level. This conclusion poses an awkard radiological safety problem because existing personnel monitoring devices measure gamma dose only and maximum permissible doses, and radiation hazard control policies in general, in field efforts, are based solely upon the measurement of gamma dose. In the present experiment the beta and gamma radiation dose that would be received by the sensitive layer of the skin was measured in several contaminated areas in Frenchman Flat and Yucca Flat. Specially constructed, thin-walled ion chambers were used which were sensitive to gamma rays and to all beta particles considered to be a hazard. It was found that, although there is, indeed, an increase in radiation hazard at points near the ground, the very large beta dose to be expected from theory does not actually occur in the field. Because of the particulate nature of the contamination the conclusions reached do not apply for elevations of less than 1 cm. (auth)

• Research Organization: Army Medical Service Graduate School, Washington, D.C.
• NSA Number: NSA-13-022239
• OSTI ID: 4205386
• Report Number(s): WT-746
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BETA PARTICLES
CONTAMINATION
GAMMA RADIATION
HAZARDS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
IONIZATION CHAMBERS
LAYERS
LEVELS
MONITORING
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PERSONNEL
PROJECT KNOTHOLE
PROJECT UPSHOT
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION INJURIES
SAFETY
SENSITIVITY
SKIN