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Experiments were performed during Operation Teapot: (1) to investigate the beta-gamma exposure-rate ratio from fall-out to establish design criteria for high-range survey instruments, (2) to evaluate commercial radiological defense instruments, and (3) to investigate the feasibility of the use of commercial and amateur roll film and dental X-ray film as indicators of prompt gamma radiation. The results of the beta-gamma exposure-rate ratio measurements indicate that, for an instrument having a beta window of the order of 50 mg/sq cm thickness, the quantity of hazardous radiation not indicated by the instrument will not exceed a factor of 2. An analysis of the absorption data of fission-product radiation indicates the presence of high-energy beta radiation, low-energy gamma radiation, and secondary X-radiation in large quantities immediately postshot. The soft component tends to diminish rapidly, and the high-energy gamma radiation of the longer-lived fission products becomes predominant after approximately 2 days. The evaluation of commercial radiological defense instruments indicated that: (1) satisfactory calibration facilities must be developed, (2) ionization-chamber survey meters must have sealed chambers to avoid change in sensitivity with altitude, (3) an operational check rather than a simple battery check must be provided for all survey meters, and (4) dosimeters intended for monitoring applications must not demonstrate leakage resulting from high initial exposure and must be relatively insensitive to beta contamination.
The purpose of Project 39.3 was to measure the thermal flux per unit area at a series of specified distances from a nuclear detonation. The instrumentation chosen was an Eppley thermopile indicating on a strip-chart paper recorder. Two stations failed to yield results because of power failures and blast damage. Results were obtained at 5500, 6800, 10,500 ft. These results follow the inverse-square-law fall-off, within the limits of reasonable experimental error.
Atomic-blast exposure tests on commercial communications equipment were conducted during Operation Teapot, Apple II shot. These tests were made to provide civil defense planners with data for qualitative predictions of the probable survival range, the extent of damage, and nature of repairs required to restore communication service after a blast. Approximately 150 widely diversified units of commuications equipment (mainly electronic, but including sirens) were exposed. Exposed items were in or near groups of structures located at approximately 4700 and 10,500 feet from ground zero. Where possible, identical products were exposed at these two locations, so that one set of items would be subjected to moderately severe damage and the other set to light damage. Tests showed that commercial communications equipment was generally more resistant to nuclear explosion damage than the structures in and near which the products were exposed.
An evaluation of the acute inhalation hazard from radioactive fall-out materials has been made by analysis of results from animal exposures during field operations and from controlled inhalation studies in the laboratory. The results from exposing several groups of rabbits to fall-out material (by inhalation only) at stations located along two arcs, 7 and 106 miles from a tower detonation, are almost entirely negative. Urine specimens obtained during the first day following detonation contained minute but measurable amounts of soluble radioactive material which had a relatively short half life (1 to 2 days). Lung specimens had no detectable radioactivity when measured 6 to 21 day later; however, samples of intestine from the same animals still had measurable levels of beta activity. From careful consideration of numerous pertinent physical and physiological factors and from analysis of field and laboratory investigations, it is evident that there is no apparent situation in nuclear warfare where, during the first few days after the detoantion, one could inhale sufficient radioactive material to induce a serious radiation injury to lungs or intestines without simultaneously being subjected to supralethal doses of external beta-gamma radiation.
The objectives of Project 35.5 were to determine the effects of a nuclear explosion on various types of records and records storage equipment. In Apple II shot, materials and storage equipment normally found in government, business, and archival institutions were placed at 11 different unshielded distances from Ground Zero in a zone where sever damage to surface structures was expected. Other records and equipment were placed within different type structures located (1) in a zone where severe damage was expected and (2) in a zone where little damage was expected. Of 22 units of unshielded storage equipment containing records, only six units were accessible with contents intact. The records and equipment placed within the structures were virtually undamaged. This would indicate that records housed within the type of equipment tested would survive if protected by some type of structure, except for damage resulting from debirs, fire, and water. However, the best protection was afforded by the basement (below ground level) of the structures even though the upper stories collapsed and were destroyed.
Unattended, automatic, continuously recording gamma-ray monitors were placed in 28 towns in populated areas adjacent to the Nevada Test Site throughout Operation Teapot. Readings no higher than 10 mr/hr were detected at these locations. No large quantities of fall-out were encountered. However, the continuous recording of the gamma radiation was compiled at each station. The equipment was reliable and operated unattended over relatively long periods. (Author).