Atomic Radiation Risk Said To Be Not Great

Chronicle (Levin), 18 November 1949, Page 5

Atomic Radiation Risk Said To Be Not Great

(N.Z.P.A.—

Reuter.

Covvriant)

Kpceiveti rnursuav, i p.ra. LONDON, Nov. 10. The effects of atomic bombs were discussed by Lord Hevnham during consideration of the draft civil defeiice regulations by the House of Lords. " It may not be generallv known that if an atomic bomb is burst at 20U0 feet, " he said, "that there is practicallv 110 radioactive contamination. It would have' to burst 14 soinething like 500 feet or on Ihe ground to create anv serious contamination for any ■ length of time. When -the burst is at that loiv level the arta of damage is very much reduced. "I don't /wish to minimise the precautions to be taken against atomi" warfare, but we ought to be eareful 10 review the vvhole mattfer in its proper perspective. I believe it is also a fact that the effect of nn atomic bomb i3 greatly reduced when it is dropped lu comparativeiy shallow water, and ships in fact can now be decontaminated. Instruments are also available to register the densitv of radiation. "I believe it is true that an ordinary respirator is quite good enough k keep out that very dangerous radio aetive dust. A considerable advance has taken plaee, I believe, in the means of diminishing the effects of atonuq warfare. ' '