Radiological criteria for underground nuclear tests
The radiological criteria for the conduct of nuclear tests have undergone many revisions with the current criteria being 0.17 rad for uncontrolled populations and 0.5 rad for controllable populations. Their effect upon operations at the Nevada Test Site and the current off-site protective plans are reviewed for areas surrounding the Site. The few accidental releases that have occurred are used to establish estimates of probability of release and of hazard to the population. These are then put into context by comparing statistical data on other accidents and cataclysms. The guidelines established by DOE Manual Chapter MC-0524 have never been exceeded during the entire underground nuclear test program. The probability of real hazard to off-site populations appears to be sufficiently low as not to cause undue concern to the citizenry.
- Research Organization:
- Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-36
- OSTI ID:
- 6499984
- Report Number(s):
- LA-8776-MS; TRN: 81-008729
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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61 RADIATION PROTECTION AND DOSIMETRY
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
RADIATION DOSES
STANDARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
NEVADA TEST SITE
RADIATION ACCIDENTS
UNDERGROUND EXPLOSIONS
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DOSES
EXPLOSIONS
POPULATIONS
500300* - Environment
Atmospheric- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
655001 - Medical Physics- Radiation Protection Standards