Dose Estimation for Exposure to Radioactive Fallout from Nuclear Detonations

Abstract

In recent years, the prospects that a nuclear device might be detonated due to a regional or global political conflict, by violation of present nuclear weapons test ban agreements, or due to an act of terrorism, has increased. Thus, the need exists for a well conceptualized, well described, and internally consistent methodology for dose estimation that takes full advantage of the experience gained over the last 70 y in both measurement technology and dose assessment methodology. Here, the models, rationale, and data needed for a detailed state-of-the-art dose assessment for exposure to radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations discussed in five companion papers are summarized. These five papers present methods and data for estimating radionuclide deposition of fallout radionuclides, internal and external dose from the deposited fallout, and discussion of the uncertainties in the assessed doses. In addition, this paper includes a brief discussion of secondary issues related to assessments of radiation dose from fallout. The intention of this work is to provide a usable and consistent methodology for both prospective and retrospective assessments of exposure from radioactive fallout from a nuclear detonation.

Parameter Values for Estimation of Internal Doses from Ingestion of Radioactive Fallout from Nuclear Detonations

“…The present paper provides parameter values and distributions for use in estimating radionuclide activity concentrations in foodstuffs and drinking water following deposition of radioactive fallout. The activity concentrations in foodstuffs and drinking water are based on estimated deposition densities ( Beck et al 2022 ) and are used to estimate internal doses due to ingestion of the foodstuffs ( Anspaugh et al 2022 ) as part of an overall dose assessment for a given nuclear fallout event ( Simon et al 2022 ). Anspaugh et al (2022) describe two methods for estimation of the internal dose from ingestion of contaminated foods: an aggregated approach based on a time-integrated intake of radionuclides per unit deposition and the traditional method based on examination of individual processes.…”

“…The parameters presented here are intended for use with the relevant individual processes considered in the traditional method. This paper is part of a proposed comprehensive schema for dose assessments for exposures to radioactive fallout from nuclear detonations ( Simon et al 2022 ).…”

“…A list of 34 radionuclides (including primary radionuclides and key progeny of some primary radionuclides) likely to be most important for assessments of internal dose due to radioactive fallout is provided in Table 1 ( Simon et al 2022 ; Anspaugh et al 2022 ). 6 Where appropriate, element-specific information is provided in this report for the corresponding 17 elements.…”

“… a Includes radionuclides expected in fallout plus key decay products (see Simon et al 2022 ; Anspaugh et al 2022 ). b From the National Nuclear Data Center ( www.nndc.bnl.gov ), rounded to 3 significant digits.…”

“… a Includes radionuclides expected in fallout plus key decay products (see Simon et al 2022 ; Anspaugh et al 2022 ). …”