CIVIL DEFENSE IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY. 3. RADIOLOGICAL HAZARDS IN PROCESSED FOODS RESULTING FROM NUCLEAR WARFARE

Journal Article · Thu Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Food Technology (U.S.)

OSTI ID:4736095

Kraybill, H F

The level of radioactive contamination in foods contributed by natural sources, fallout radionuclides from nuclear-weapons testing, and the calculated high levels from a nuclear attack are discussed to show the relative influence of these factors on the safety of the food supply. Packaged or processed foods stored in a shelter might withstand damage from the blast effect of a nuclear detonation. However, processed food subjected to blast and thermal damage might be slightly radioactive from neutron activation, as demonstrated in the 20-KT shot in the 1955 Nevada tests. Allowing for radioactive decay, such foods would be safe to consume in a few weeks. Unharvested food crops, heavily contaminated with fallout from nuclear detonations in a war, would require careful decontamination under competent supervision. These foods also provide the starting materials for processed and canned foods, so remedial measures (washing, milling, or refining, and special processing) would be required. Processed foods in cans or glass would be preferred following nuclear attack. The safety of consumption and the wholesomeness of radionuclide-contaminated foods is discussed and it is concluded that they could be used under some conditions during the dire emergency of an immediate post-war period. (H.H.D.)

• Research Organization: National Cancer Inst., Bethesda, Md.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-006340
• OSTI ID: 4736095
• Journal Information: Food Technology (U.S.), Journal Name: Food Technology (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 16: No. 2; ISSN FOTEA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ACTIVATION
AGRICULTURE
CONTAMINATION
CROPS
DECAY
DECONTAMINATION
FABRICATION
FALLOUT
FOOD
GLASS
HEALTH AND SAFETY
MATHEMATICS
MEASURED VALUES
MONITORING
NEUTRONS
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
PACKAGING
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIATION PROTECTION
SAFETY
SHELTERS
STORAGE
THERMAL RADIATION