Experimental Evaluation Of Techniques For Imporving Fallout Protection In Home Basements PDF Download

An experimental study was conducted to determine the fallout-radiation protection afforded by a residence representative of a type of construction much in favor in the Southwest: a single-story stucco and frame house with a heavy shake roof and no basement. This study was one of many such studies sponsored by Civil Effects Test Operations, Division of Biology and Medicine, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, for the purpose of evaluating the protection presently afforded by ordinary homes and structures against the dangers of fallout radiation. The protection afforded by the home was determined by simulating a fallout-radiation field above and immediately surrounding the house and measuring the radiation level within. The radiation field was simulated by pumping a sealed Co(60) source through a long length of tubing evenly distributed over the test area. Highly sensitive dose-integrating ionization chambers were used to measure the radiation level inside the structure. The test was performed rapidly, easily, and safely. Valid statistical data were obtained even though the radiation level was of such low magnitude that it was unnecessary to evacuate any of the neighboring homes. The protection factors within the house (ratio of exposure dose rate in the open field to exposure dose rate in the structure) ranged from 2.8 to 4.4, depending on the location. The results compare favorably with those found in previous exercises under similar conditions.