INGESTION OF FOODSTUFFS CONTAMINATED WITH RADIOACTIVE ISOTOPES

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4706192

Harley, J H

Hazards to the public of radioactive debris from weapons testing is discussed, particularly with regard to Sr/sup 90/, Cs/sup 137/, and I/sup 131/. I/sup 131/ has a very short physical half life, and with most foods, particularly with frozen and canned foods, there is a considerable time lag from the time they are picked or harvested until they get to the consumer. Therefore, most of the radioiodine has decayed away. Milk is probabiy the only source from which radioiodine can get into man in any appreciable concentration. Very little Cs/ sup 137/ comes up through the soil, and when it falls out, is absorbed very strongly by soils, and is not taken up very well by plants. However, there is direct contamination and, again, the route to man is very largely through the milk chain. Also, there may be considerable absorption from meat because cattle incorporate Cs/sup 137/ in soft tissues. In the average diet about half of the Sr/sup 90/ that is ingested comes from milk, onefourth from grain, and another fourth through vegetables. (P.C.H.)

• Research Organization: Atomic Energy Commission, New York
• NSA Number: NSA-17-012503
• OSTI ID: 4706192
• Journal Information: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine (U.S.), Journal Name: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 38; ISSN BNYMA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ADSORPTION
CANNING
CATTLE
CEREALS
CESIUM 137
CONTAMINATION
DIET
FALLOUT
FISSION PRODUCTS
FOOD
FOOD CHAIN
HALF-LIFE
HEALTH AND SAFETY
INGESTION
IODINE 131
MEAT
MILK
PLANTS
POPULATIONS
RADIATION EFFECTS
SOILS
STOMACH
STRONTIUM 90
TISSUES
VEGETABLES