The journal. (Caldwell, Ohio) 1934-1961, 1959-11-26
Noble Go. Farmers
Radioactive FaIIout
By GERRY NEFF

10 lOodyy we never hllOW lIOIIl
one moment to another when we
might be in full fledged war
war that would be very, very
different from any that has ever
been. The enemy, that is the
worst enemy, would be prac-
tically invisible. 1t is that of
radioactive AFTER the bomb
has been exploded.
If we were attacked with
nuclear weapons (atomic or
hydrogen bombs), you, the
American farmer, would be
counted on to supply the food
and fiber needed to keep the
economy going. One of the prob
lens you might face in doing
this important jop is radioactive
fallout.
This article, along with the
ones to follow, will contain the
recommendations of scientists,
engineers, public health officials,
Civil Defense authorities, and
other specialists. You may not
find here all the information
that you would like to have on
protection against fallout. Study
of the effect of radioactive fall
out on agriculture is a coptinu-
ing project. Some of the recon-
mendationS given may have to
be changed in the light of future
research.
In the event of enemy attack,
first provide for your own safety
and that of your family and
neighbors. To do this, you may
initially have to ignore your
livestock, your crops, and your
land. Your best protection from
fallout is to remain indoors, pre-
ferably in a basement or cellar,
and to avoid contact with con-
taminated objects. When in
doubt, seek shelter. Authorities
will make every effort to let you
know when it is safe to come out
of shelter.
FallOut- Background
There is defense afainst fall
out on the farm and in the home.
1t is hoped that the following
will help you to understand the
nature of fallout, and, in the
event of enemy attack, will help
you protect yourself from it.
Radioactivity is a process
whereby certain elements dis
integrate, and in so doing release
one or more types of powerful
rays.
Radioactivity is nothing new.
All living things are constantly
exposed to small amounts of
radiation. Cosmic rays from
space continually pass through
our bodies. We breathe and eat
radioactive materials that occur
naturally in the soil, water, and
air. We also are exposed to
radiation when we have x-ray
examinations. But explosions of
nuclear bombs produce large
amounts of radioactive elements
that can affect the health of
human beings and animals.
The explosion of an atomic or
hydrogen bomb is accompanied
by blast, heat, initial radiation,
and residual radiation. The first
three occur almost instantan-
eouSly with the explosion, and
are destructive at the target
area and for some miles around.
The fourth-residual radiation
has a delayed and longer effect,
and may be dangerous over a
considerably larger area.
The question is asked, What
is Fallout?" Fallout is the term
used to describe radioactive par
ticles, produced by nuclear ex-
plosions, that fall to earth from
the upper air. When the bomb
eXplodeS, close to the earth
large quantities of soil, rock, anC
debris are drawn up into the
ascending cloud. After mixing
with the highly radioactive ma,
terial, particles fall back tc
earth and produce radioactive
contamination. Some of the par
ticles fall close to the point O
the explosion, while others may
drift doWnWind for many mile!
before settling to earth.
FallOut is dangerous becaus.
the radiation is a threat tt
human beings, animals, ant
crops. Fallout can also contamin
ate food, water, buildings, yards
and fields, and make them unsaf,
to use for a certain period o
time.
Some of the rays can penetrat,
the body and cause serious inter
nal damage. Others, while no
capable of deep penetration, Cal
burn the skin. Some of the radio
active chemical elements in il
such as radioactive stronitiun
and radioactive iodine, can caus
serious internal radiation dam
age if taken into the body il
sufficiently large quantities.
To understand the nature O
fallout, it is necessary to know