East Cleveland leader. [volume] (East Cleveland, Ohio) 1942-1970, 1951-05-31
Radiation Is
Difference In
Types Of Bombs

YpCS vi DVIEIU9
The only real difference between
an ordinary bomb and an atomic
bomb, aside from the fact that the
latter has tremendous explosive
power, is the accompanying radia-
ton. This radiation can be divided
into two types.
The first is the radiation with
the actual instantaneous detonation
of the A-bomb.
The second type is called residual
radiation, or radioactivity which is
produced after the bomb has ex-
ploded.
This residual radioactivity comes
from three different sources:
1. Fission products, which are
radioactive, produced by the
splitting of atoms in the bomb
explosion and which are then
deposited on the surrounding
earth;
2. The unfissioned uranium or
plutonium from the bomb
which is also dispersed and
deposited over the surround
ing surface;
8. Material such as soil, metal
objects, and water made ra-
dioactive by the radiation
emitted during the explosion.
The forms of radiation included
in residual radioactivity are gam
ma rays which are similar to X
rays but have more energy and
have the ability to penetrate dense
materials such as concrete and lead.
Two other nuclear particles, al
pha and beta particles, are also
present. These don't contribute
much of a hazard as external
sources of radiation because they
lack the ability to penetrate dense
materials and can travel only short
distances in air.
These latter two, however, be-
come hazards where there is the
possibility that the radioactive
dusts are inhaled, ingested, or alb
sorbed through wounds.
In order to determine the pres
ence of radioactivity, detecting
equipment such as Geiger coun-
ter must be used. These instru-
ments are sensitive to all forms of
radiation and are designed to de-
termine not only the presence of
radioactivity but also the quantity
at any one place.
Geiger counters for this type of
work are portable and can be car
ried easily by one individual. Some
Of them can be strapped to an in
dividuaPs back and the detection
instrument used like mine detector
squads used their equipment dur
ing World War II. This equipment
can also be attached to motor
vehicles.
Along this same line, a good
method would be to utilize hell
copters equipped with radiation
detection devices. By flying low
rough estimates of contaminated
areas can be outlined and marked
by flares. Following this, the de-
lection squads can move into these
areas and determine the extent.
quantity and exact location of the
radioactivity.
Let US take a hypothetical case.
Within short interval of time
after an atomic bomb explosion,
the position or center of the blast
is determined. This can be esti-
mated from an airplane which will
fly in from neighboring airfield.
1t is important to estimate the
center of the blast or so-called
ground zero" since the highest
concentration Of radioactivity will
be located at this point and will
decrease rapidly as the distance
from this point is increased. Spe-
cially equipped helicopters could
fly in and within a short time give
a rough estimate of any contami-
mated areas which would be marked
with flares.
While this is going on, the
trained radiation detection squads
will be assembling with their
equipment and will monitor or sur
vey previously designated areas.
Some of these squads will be given
the task of monitoring and helping
to clear channels for evacuation of
the wounded.
Others will survey the known
contaminated areas to determine
the quantity of radiation in given
area and to then mark off these
areas that are highly contaminated.
Some of these locations will be
mOnitored to determine how long
medical and rescue personnel can
remain in them before receiving
unsafe doses Of radiation.
Still, our squads will have the
job of determining to what extent
if any water supplies are contami-
mated. Radiation detection stations
can be set up to check for con-
tamination of wearing apparel and
skin surfaces of the injured as we'll
as the rescuers.
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