The postattack water-contamination problem.

Contaminating conditions, fallout levels, internal-dose criteria, the early radioiodine ingestion problem, and the effectiveness of various water decontamination processes are discussed. Dose calculations indicate that the problem of a fallout-contaminated water supply will not be severe in most cases. Radioiodine concentration by the thyroid and the resultant exposure is more serious the first 100 days after attack than the dose to the bone. However, the radiation exposures are such that they and the water supply hazard cannot be ignored. The effectiveness of various water decontamination processes is discussed.