Beta burns

[Andrew McEwan <Andrew@nrl.moh.govt.nz>]

Rongelap Island is around 100 miles from Bikini.  The burns suffered by the 
Rongelap people were therefore not from thermal radiation from the Bravo 
bomb.
The community experienced visible fallout of white particles (mostly 
condensed coral residues) which settled on bare skin and clothing.  The 
burns were primarily due to fallout in direct contact with skin.

Andrew McEwan

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Andrew C McEwan PhD
National Radiation Laboratory
PO Box 25-099
Christchurch, New Zealand

Ph 64 3 366 5059
Fax 64 3 366 1156
acmcewan@nrl.moh.govt.nz
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