RADIOACTIVE FALLOUT AND TRANSPORT OF ACTIVITY THROUGH FOOD CHAINS

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · Kgl. Skogs- och Lantbruksakad. Tidskr.

OSTI ID:4809943

Fredriksson, L

Some elementary information about atomic structure. binding energy in different atomic nuclei, fission and fusion processes, types of radiation and its absorption in living tissue is given. Some aspects of the biological effects of different radiation doses are also given. The general distribution of the fission products from nuclear tests in the atmosphere is briefly discussed. The big risks for heavy local fallout within large areas from explosions near the earth surface are emphasized. A discussion is given on possible practical emergency measures in agriculture in case of heavy fallout. lt is clearly pointed out that the fallout in Sweden has up to now not justified any practical measures in agriculture, and it is extremely unlikely that the nuclear testing last fall would change the present situation. In case of a nuclear war, however, special emer gency measures in agriculture will be very important. The possibilities of continuing the food production necessary to sustain the people might well be highly dependent on such measures. Two different fallout situations are considered, namely: 1. Local fallout, characterized by fresh fission products chiefly consisting of nucleides with short halflives. The intense external gamma radiation is in this case the main danger and protection from this in the best available radiation shelter will be the most important for man as well as for animals. 2. World-wide fallout (tropospheric and stratospheric). In this case the main problem will be to prevent such radionucleides as I/sup 131/, Sr/sup 90/ and Sr/sup 89/ , and Cs/sup 137/ from being transported from the atmosphere and the soil through the food chains to man and animal. Tracer experiments in Sweden have shown that different soil treatments can reduce the accumulation of Sr and Cs in vegetation appreciably. On pasture land most of the activity deposited in the surface layer of the soil can easily be removed by a special mechanical technique worked out in the experiments. (auth)

• Research Organization: Originating Research Org. not identified
• NSA Number: NSA-16-026728
• OSTI ID: 4809943
• Journal Information: Kgl. Skogs- och Lantbruksakad. Tidskr., Journal Name: Kgl. Skogs- och Lantbruksakad. Tidskr. Vol. Vol: 101: Nos. 1-2
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: Swedish

Related Subjects

AGRICULTURE
ANIMALS
ATMOSPHERE
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CESIUM 137
DECONTAMINATION
DISTRIBUTION
FALLOUT
FISSION PRODUCTS
FOOD
GAMMA RADIATION
HALF-LIFE
IODINE 131
MAN
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
RADIATION PROTECTION
SAFETY
SHELTERS
SOILS
STRONTIUM 89
STRONTIUM 90
SWEDEN
TRACER TECHNIQUES