RADIO-ACTIVE FALL-OUT AND ITS HAZARDS TO MAN

Journal Article · Sun Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1957 · S. African Med. J.

OSTI ID:4315024

McMurray, W R

The facts concerning radio-active fall-out from the testing of fission- type nuclear weapons are reviewed and summarized in a form convenient to the assessment of the resultant effects on man. These are seen to be twofold, namely the genetic effect and the effects of ingested strontium-90. The genetically effective dose from fall-out is compared with the very variable naturally occurring background radiation dose and it is concluded that the genetic aspect of fall-out hazard is relatively unimportant. The remaining uncertainties in the estimates of the effects of ingested strontium-90 are not sufficient to completely invalidate conclusions based on the available data. It is shown that should nuclear-weapon testing continue at its present rate of 10 Megatons per gear, the dose of strontium-90 to the bone should not exceed the average dose from natural sources. The strong dependence of the intensity of natural background on the human environment is emphasized as a very relevant consideration. (auth) 12l90 Reactions are described which were observed in irradiated and non-irradiated mice following injection with parental strain spleen homogenates. The contributions of strain, antigenic response, and homogenate particle size to lethal effects are discussed. (C.H.)

• Research Organization: South African National Physical Research Lab.
• NSA Number: NSA-12-012189
• OSTI ID: 4315024
• Journal Information: S. African Med. J., Journal Name: S. African Med. J. Vol. Vol: 31, No. 49
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BACKGROUND
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BONES
CONTAMINATION
ENVIRONMENT
FALLOUT
GENETICS
MAN
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION DOSES
RADIOACTIVITY
STRONTIUM 90