Accession Number:

ADA995016

Title:

Operation SNAPPER. The Biological Effectiveness of Neutron Radiation from Nuclear Weapons. Project 4.3.

Descriptive Note:

Rept. for Apr-Jun 52.

Corporate Author:

GENERAL ELECTRIC CO SANTA BARBARA CA TEMPO

Personal Author(s):

Report Date:

1980-02-01

Pagination or Media Count:

90.0

Abstract:

Experiments dealing with the biological effectiveness of neutron radiation from nuclear weapons were included in Operation TUMBLER-SNAPPER for two reasons. First, confirmation of the results of similar experiments done at Operation GREENHOUSE was desired. Second, evaluation of the effect of neutron irradiation on organ systems and biological parameters not measured at Operation GREENHOUSE was considered necessary. Three weapons were used for the TUMBLER-SNAPPER studies. On all three shots, organ-weight loss determinations were made on exposed animals. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts were done on those animals sacrificed for organ-weight studies. On selected animals the uptake of radioactive iron in the erythrocytes was measured. The organ-weight studies were included to provide a means of comparing the TUMBLER-SNAPPER results with those of the Operation GREENHOUSE experiments. The blood counting and radioactive iron studies were done to assay, insofar as possible, bone marrow function in the neutron-irradiated animals.

Descriptors:

• *Radiation effects
• *Neutron irradiation
• Nuclear explosion testing
• Mice
• Radiation dosage
• Leukocytes
• Bone marrow
• Spleen
• Thymus
• Weight reduction
• Neutron flux
• Radiation shielding
• Gamma rays

Subject Categories:

• Radiobiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE