RADIATION INJURIES BY NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Journal Article · Sat Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1961 · Med. Serv. J. (Can.)

OSTI ID:4712440

Pace, F C; Waters, W R

Various types of injury of humans from thermonuclear detonations are discussed, including those resulting from blast, heat, and radiation. The characteristics of early fallout are described, and the symptoms, pathology, and treatment of the acute radiation syndrome occurring in response to exposure to fallout are outlined and discussed. Skin injuries from fallout are considered, especially with reference in the Marshall Islanders and Japanese fishermen exposed in 1954. The internal radiation hazard, resulting from inhalation or ingestion of fission products, is discussed. It was concluded that in no situation in nuclear warfare would it be possible to inhale enough fallout material to injure the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. On physical grounds, the acute hazards offered by BETA and gamma emanation to skin and to the organism as a whole are at least 1000 times greater than the inhalation hazards. On physioiogical grounds (the defense mechanisms of the respiratory tract) there is an additional protective factor of 10; the particles of the early fallout are too large to reach the pulmonary alveoli. The probability of internal contamination by the respiratory route appears to be remote, and can be ignored in the early period after attack. (H.H.D.)

• Research Organization: Dept. of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa
• NSA Number: NSA-17-023225
• OSTI ID: 4712440
• Journal Information: Med. Serv. J. (Can.), Journal Name: Med. Serv. J. (Can.) Vol. Vol: 17
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BETA DECAY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
BODY
CONTAMINATION
FALLOUT
FISH
FISSION PRODUCTS
GAMMA RADIATION
INTESTINE
JAPAN
LUNGS
MAN
MARSHALL ISLANDS
MEDICINE
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
POPULATIONS
QUANTITY RATIO
RADIATION INJURIES
RADIATION PROTECTION
SHOCK WAVES
SKIN
THERMAL RADIATION
THERMONUCLEAR REACTIONS