J.Jpn. Surg. Soc.. 56(1): 19-32, 1955

---

STUDIES ON DECONTAMINANTS (IN THE CASE OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION BY THE BIKINI ASH)

1) This report describes studies on decontaminants of the Bikini victims' hair and clothes which were contaminated by the so-called Bikini Ash after the H-bomb explosion on March 1, 1954.
2) First, the author studied the chemical and physical nature of the ash by means of chemical analysis, radioautographical tests and reaction for several decontaminants. The results led the author to use Na-EDTA as the best fitted reagent.
3) The most effective condition of Na･EDTA in removing radioactive contamination was proved to be 0.3% of Na･EDTA solution of pH 9.3 mixed at the rate of Tetra･Na･ED TA:4 and Di･Na･EDTA:1. This solution did not increase the percutaneous absorption of the water soluble radioactive isotope and gave no damages to the human skin, and all kinds of radioactive elements of the ash contained in the case were washed off equally by this solution.
4) This EDTA solution was compared with 0.3% solution of 9 kinds of detergents and reagents. The result was that the EDTA solution had been by far the most effective in removing radioactive contamination of the ash. This can be recommended for general use in the contamination of fission products and fissionable fallsubstances after detonation of the A-bomb and H-bomb.
5) When some dispersing agents and anti-recontamination substances are mixed, this EDTA solution will be more effective and reliable.
6) Substance for decontamination and the method of decontamination research were discussed.
(author's abstract)

---

---

To read the PDF file you will need Adobe Reader installed on your computer.