BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF NUCLEAR
are stated for the levels between these injury
categories. Table 10-1 outlines the biological effects
associated with a variety of dose ranges for both acute
A person receiving a serious injury as a result of a
(less than 24 hours) and protracted (over 24 hours)
nuclear burst and is man a battle station is described as
doses.
combat ineffective (CI). The potential for a given
nuclear weapon to produce fatalities is fairly well
AIR BLAST INJURY
known; however, the potential for CIs is not well
Bodily displacement is the dominant cause of air
known. We have no satisfactory method for estimating
blast casualties for personnel in the open. Personnel
the extent to which total injuries relate to the number of
can be picked up and thrown by the blast. They receive
CIs. Therefore, for each weapon effect capable of
their injuries upon landing. The extent of the injuries
injuring an individual, the noninjury and fatal levels
will depend upon the velocity of the body's movement,
are stated. Only the estimates of the degree of injury
Table 10-1. Biological Effects of Nuclear Radiation
10-9