Beta-Radiation Doses from Fallout Particles Deposited on the Skin.

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AD0888503
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Title : Beta-Radiation Doses from Fallout Particles Deposited on the Skin.

Descriptive Note : Final rept., 17 Apr 70-30 Jun 71,

Corporate Author : ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ASSOCIATES FOSTER CITY CA

Personal Author(s) : Mikhail, Saad Z.

Report Date : JAN 1971

Pagination or Media Count : 105

Abstract : Absorbed beta-radiation dose expected from fallout particles deposited on the skin was
estimated by use of the Beta Transmission, Degradation and Dissipation (TDD) model and a
Condensed-State Diffusion-Controlled model that describes the mechanism of fission-product
absorption in fallout. A fission density of 10 to the 15th power fissions per cubic centimeter of fallout
material was assumed. Comparison of computed doses with the most recent experimental data relative
to skin response to beta-energy deposition leads to the conclusion that even for fallout arrival times as
early as 1000 seconds (16.7 minutes post-detonation), no skin ulceration is expected from single
particles 500 micron or less in diameter. Absorbed gamma doses calculated for one particle size (100
microns) show a beta-to-gamma ratio of about 15. Dose ratio for larger particle sizes will be smaller.
Doses from arrays of fallout particles of different size distributions were computed, also, for several
fallout mass deposition densities; time intervals required to accumulate doses sufficient to initiate skin
lesions were calculated. These times depend strongly on the assumed fallout-particle-size distribution.
Deposition densities in excess of 100 mg per square foot of the skin will cause beta burns if fallout
arrival time is less than about three hours, unless the particles are relatively coarse (mean particle
diameter more than 250 microns). (Author)

Descriptors : *FALLOUT, BETA PARTICLES, BIOLOGICAL ABSORPTION, RADIATION

DOSAGE, SKIN(ANATOMY), FALLOUT, RADIATION EFFECTS, GAMMA RAYS,
DEPOSITION.

Subject Categories : RADIOBIOLOGY

Distribution Statement : APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE

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