EFFECT OF FALLOUT CONTAMINATION ON PROCESSED FOODS, CONTAINERS, AND PACKAGING

The effect of a comparatively low level of fallout on the protective qualities of 18 packaging materials was examined. It was found that the plastics and paper tested were adequate for preventing contamination of foods packaged therein; by contrast, burlap and cloth offered poor protection. Oily or dusty surfaces proved more retentive for fallout than clean ones. Of the cleaning measures tried, wet or dry cloth wiping seemed to be the most effective, with detergent washing and brushing next in order. Many retail packages, particularly those with a waxed-paper overwrap, retained considerable amounts of fallout. There were, however, only two cases in which contamination of the contents of retail packages could be demonstrated. Rept. on Operation Plumbbob, Nevada Test Site, May-Oct 1957. Prepared in cooperation with Federal Civil Defense Administration, Battle Creek, MI.