External Exposure Estimates for Individuals Near the Nevada Test Site

Abstract

Individuals living near the Nevada Test Site were exposed to both ß and γ radiations from fission products and activation products resulting from the atmospheric testing of nuclear devices. These exposures, and the resultant doses, were functions of the amount of material deposited, the time of arrival of the debris, and the amount of shielding afforded by structures. Results are presented for each of nine generic life-styles. These are representative of the living patterns of people residing in the area. For each event at each location for which data exist, a representative of each life-style was closely followed for 30 d. The results of these detailed calculations were then extrapolated to the present, employing a stochastic model. Results displayed are the geometric means and standard deviations derived from 25 independent determinations of the various quantities shown. For each determination, required parameters were randomly selected from appropriate distributions. Calculations yielded estimates for: 1) whole-body and skin dose due to γ rays from material on the ground; 2) skin dose due to ß particles from material deposited directly on the skin; and 3) skin dose due to ß particles from material deposited on the ground. Organ dose estimates were established from the whole-body dose using appropriate conversion factors. For the homemaker life-style, the uterus dose was also calculated as a function of time for 9 mo. This assisted in estimating fetal dose as a function of gestation.

Reproduced from the journal Health Physics (Vol. 59, No. 5) with permission from the Health Physics Society.