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Title: Fallout sheltering: is it feasible

Abstract

The feasibility of sheltering the U.S. population from fallout resulting from a large-scale nuclear attack is assessed using a mathematical model. The model is used to calculate the reduction in cumulative dose received by a sheltered survivor, as a function of five adjustable parameters. Three time periods are postulated: time in the shelter, a transition period during which time out of the shelter increases and a final period in which half the time is spent outside the shelter. The parameters are varied independently, and the resulting dose reduction factor is compared with what seems to be necessary for survival in different regions of the country under the postulated attack. Another model developed by K.S. Gant and C.V. Chester is compared with this one. Similarities and differences are pointed out, and where possible the results of the two are checked for compatibility. An important question addressed in this paper is whether under the conditions of a large-scale nuclear attack sheltering a relatively unprepared population is at all feasible. Sensitivity tests of the various parameters in our model show that relatively low protection factor areas such as basements or inner rooms already existing in homes or other buildings could quite adequately servemore » as shelters for most of the area of the contiguous United States. Furthermore, continuous stays in these shelters of more than three weeks do not seem to be necessary for these large parts of the United States.« less

Authors:
;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
George Mason Univ., Fairfax, VA
OSTI Identifier:
6867909
Resource Type:
Journal Article
Journal Name:
Health Phys.; (United States)
Additional Journal Information:
Journal Volume: 3
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING; FALLOUT; RADIATION PROTECTION; FALLOUT SHELTERS; MATHEMATICAL MODELS; BIOLOGICAL SHIELDING; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; HUMAN POPULATIONS; NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS; RADIATION DOSES; WARFARE; DOSES; EXPLOSIONS; POPULATIONS; SHELTERS; SHIELDING; 420202* - Engineering- Protective Structures & Equipment

Citation Formats

Ehrlich, R, and Ring, J. Fallout sheltering: is it feasible. United States: N. p., 1987. Web. doi:10.1097/00004032-198703000-00001.
Ehrlich, R, & Ring, J. Fallout sheltering: is it feasible. United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-198703000-00001
Ehrlich, R, and Ring, J. 1987. "Fallout sheltering: is it feasible". United States. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004032-198703000-00001.
@article{osti_6867909,
title = {Fallout sheltering: is it feasible},
author = {Ehrlich, R and Ring, J},
abstractNote = {The feasibility of sheltering the U.S. population from fallout resulting from a large-scale nuclear attack is assessed using a mathematical model. The model is used to calculate the reduction in cumulative dose received by a sheltered survivor, as a function of five adjustable parameters. Three time periods are postulated: time in the shelter, a transition period during which time out of the shelter increases and a final period in which half the time is spent outside the shelter. The parameters are varied independently, and the resulting dose reduction factor is compared with what seems to be necessary for survival in different regions of the country under the postulated attack. Another model developed by K.S. Gant and C.V. Chester is compared with this one. Similarities and differences are pointed out, and where possible the results of the two are checked for compatibility. An important question addressed in this paper is whether under the conditions of a large-scale nuclear attack sheltering a relatively unprepared population is at all feasible. Sensitivity tests of the various parameters in our model show that relatively low protection factor areas such as basements or inner rooms already existing in homes or other buildings could quite adequately serve as shelters for most of the area of the contiguous United States. Furthermore, continuous stays in these shelters of more than three weeks do not seem to be necessary for these large parts of the United States.},
doi = {10.1097/00004032-198703000-00001},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/6867909}, journal = {Health Phys.; (United States)},
number = ,
volume = 3,
place = {United States},
year = {Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1987},
month = {Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1987}
}