CAESIUM-137 IN DRIED MILK
Measurements of the cesium-137/potassium ratio in dried milk and some corresponding results for hay have been obtained for the period 1957 and the first half of 1958. In dried milk from Driffield, which has a relatively low rainfall, the ratio in the summer of 1957 was 25 to 30 mu mu c of cesium-137 per g of potassium, and dropped to 10 to 15 mu mu c/g in the winter. Dried milk from Carmarthen, a high-rainfall area, showed ratios of 60 to 70 mu mu c/g and about 40 mu mu c/g in summer and winter, respectively. The decrease in the ratio in the winter may be due to the change in feeding habits of cows, which are given supplementary food in winter. A large increase in the ratios in dried milk rrom all areas was observed in June 1958 and is associated with a larger than usual rate of fall-out In May 1958 and subsequent months. The average cesium-137/ potassium ratio in dried milk in mu mu c/g.for the period April 1957--April 1958 is shown to be numerically equal to the average annual rainfall in inches in the area from which the milk was collected. The effect of the Windscale accident on the cesium-137/potassium ratio in dried milk is shown to have been temporary. The cesium-137/ potassium ratio in human beings in late 1957 was about the same as that in dried milk from an area having a similar rainfall. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Atomic Energy Research Establishment, Harwell, Berks, Eng.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-13-011578
- OSTI ID:
- 4247078
- Journal Information:
- Nature, Journal Name: Nature Vol. Vol: 183
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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