Over 100 different foods frequently used in the American diet were exposed to the effects of an atomic explosion. In addition 19 elements known to occur in food were exposed as pure salts, dry and in aqueous solutions. Exposure stations represented a variety of storage conditions and ranged from 1050 to 15,000 ft. from Ground Zero. All foods and their containers became more or less radioactive when exposed within one-fourth mile of Ground Zero.

Preliminary results indicate that packaged beverages recovered intact from critical exposure situations (1/4 mile) would be suitable for use as potable fluids. Under these conditions the containers may show considerable radioactivity but that of the contents is well within the acceptable 10 day emergency tolerance for water.

Over 100 different foods frequently used in the American diet were exposed to the effects of an atomic explosion. In addition 19 elements known to occur in food were exposed as pure salts, dry and in aqueous solutions. Exposure stations represented a variety of storage conditions and ranged from 1050 to 15,000 ft. from Ground Zero. All foods and their containers became more or less radioactive when exposed within one-fourth mile of Ground Zero.