Operation Crossroads

Personnel Radiation Exposure Estimates Should Be Improved Gao ID: 128596 December 11, 1985

GAO discussed its report on radiation safety during Operation Crossroads, a nuclear weapons test conducted in the Pacific Ocean in 1946. GAO stated that the Defense Nuclear Agency (DNA) inaccurately estimated radiation exposure for personnel involved in the test because it did not: (1) allow for the inaccuracy of the radiation film badges used; (2) allow for possible errors in film processing or equipment handling; (3) account for exposure resulting from poor personnel decontamination practices; or (4) measure internal radiation exposure resulting from inhalation, ingestion, and exposure through open wounds. GAO believes that DNA should: (1) adjust its exposure estimates to account for these factors; and (2) inform the Veterans Administration and affected veterans if it is not feasible to adjust the estimates.



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