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ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM FOR THE NEVADA TEST SITE: 1957-1981
Citation:
Smith, D. AND S. Black. ANIMAL INVESTIGATION PROGRAM FOR THE NEVADA TEST SITE: 1957-1981. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/6-84/020 (NTIS DE84011323).
Description:
This report summarizes the findings of the Animal Investigation Program from its initiation in 1957 to termination in 1981. The Program investigated the effects of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site on domestic and wild animals residing on, and in the vicinity of the Test Site. Claims of injury to animals were investigated and a routine program of collecting tissue samples were the principal activities. Tissue samples collected were examined histopathologically and were analyzed for specific radionuclides. Analyses of tissue samples from the Nevada Test Site beef herd occurred semiannually over the entire 25-year period and several other beef herds were analyzed for up to 10-year periods. Other animals sampled for extended periods included mule deer and desert bighorn sheep. The results of the claims investigations are reported as well as analyses for the radionuclides: tritium, strontium-90, iodine-131, cesium-137, and plutonium-239. Also, the results of certain special studies, e.g., in animals around other testing sites such as Mississippi, Colorado, etc., and for special purposes such as at the Rocky Flats Plant in Colorado, and for iodine-129 in thyroids from Nevada cattle are included. Most of the data are presented as trends over time. Calculation of hypothetical doses to man from ingestion of edible tissue are included. 61 references, 9 figures, 4 tables. (ERA citation 09:029271)