THE POTENTIAL HAZARDS OF SHIPPING GROSS QUANTITIES OF RADIONUCLIDES

Technical Report · Tue May 29 04:00:00 EDT 1962

OSTI ID:4720668

Watson, E C

An evaluation of the consequences of an accidental release of Sr/sup 90/ and Sr/sup 89/ from the HAPO-IA cask was made assuming loss of radio-strontium to the atmosphere or to the surface water. Release to the atmosphere could result from a collision followed by fire or explosion. In the event of a fire, a small fraction of the radio-strontium would be volatilized. An explosion would disperse the Sr/sup 89/ and Sr/sup 90/ still adsorbed to Decalso as particulates. In either case, the material was assumed to be dispersed by atmospheric mechanlsms which can be described by diffusion equations. It was estimated that about 70 square miles could become contaminated with Sr/sup 90/ to a level that would warrant concern if no remedial action were taken. The release of Sr/sup 90/ to a river would be of less consequence. (auth)

• Research Organization: General Electric Co. Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash.
• DOE Contract Number: AT(45-1)-1350
• NSA Number: NSA-17-010853
• OSTI ID: 4720668
• Report Number(s): HW-SA-2518
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACCIDENTS
AEROSOLS
ATMOSPHERE
COMBUSTION
CONTAMINATION
DECALSO
DIFFUSION
DISPERSIONS
EQUATIONS
EXPLOSIONS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
HYDROLOGY
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
PARTICLES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOACTIVITY
STRONTIUM 89
STRONTIUM 90
TRANSPORT
VESSELS
VOLATILITY
ZONES