ML19206B346
| ML19206B346 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Crane  |
| Issue date: | 04/03/1979 |
| From: | Kenneke A NRC OFFICE OF POLICY EVALUATIONS (OPE) |
| To: | Gilinsky V, Hendrie J, Kennedy R NRC COMMISSION (OCM) |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7905090233 | |
| Download: ML19206B346 (3) | |
Text
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^1 NUCLEAR RECULATORY COMMISSION hl WASHINGTON, D. C. 20555 myi s,, w y April 3,1979 MEMORANCUM FOR:
Chairman Hendrie Commissioner Gilinsky Commissioner Kennedy Commissioner Bradford CcmmigifharAhearne FROM:
Al ante Acting DT.'ector, OFE N
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SUBJECT:
IO9INE ItOMILK As background informat:on relevant to Gove nor Thornburgh's April 3 statement on iodine in milk (copy enclosed),we offer the following:
e The " proposed Federal standard" of 12,000 picocuries per liter is an FDA number, proposed as guidance to States in a Federal Register Notice or. December 15, 1978.
The guideline is related to an underlying guicaline of 1.5 e
rem to the thyroids of infants chosen as the critical population (doses to the fetus would be smaller).
The 12,000 references peak concentrations assuming a relatively e
short-term release of iodine and subsequent ingestion.
(I under-stand that some jurisdictions, e.g., New York state, use 4,000 picocuries per liter.)
e The proposed FDA guide was intended as a first trigce -- to initiate some protective action, e.g., diverting milk to stored products and taking cows off pasture.
e FDA proposed a second trigger level at 120,000 picocuries per liter -- at v u h milk would be discarded.
c CONTACT:
Cookie Ong (OFE) 534-1427 7 /i 7rn L 't JdU
, 905090 M Y
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To The Commission e The Governor's reference to 300 picocuries per liter from Chinese fallout was correct in the sense of iodine levels typically found in milk in the marketolace in 1976.
Concentrations of thousands of picocuries per liter were measured at certain dairy farms at that nic.
As to the " continuing monitoring of milk" we understand that e
measurement techniques currently being employed in the TMI area are gamma-spectrum instruments which can detect as low as 50 picocuries per liter in milk.
However, such instrumentation requires one hour for su.:b a detection level (due to counting statistics limitations.)
Therefore,there is a necessary tradeoff between desired detection level and the measuring time.
We also understand that older instruments may have higher detection limits, but within their range can provide quicker measurements.
Therefore, to survey larger areas with more measurements, an appropriate mix of these instruments might be desirable.
Enclosure:
As Stated cc:
Leonard Bickwit Sam Chilk 7 li 75i L 't J"'
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Statement bv Gm.ernor of pennsvivania Harrisburg, April 3 Gov. Dick Thornburgh today issued the folt u ing statement:
"Tast results presented to me by both the Food and Drug Ad:sinistration and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources indicate low levels of radioactive iodine in the milk produced within an 18 mile radius of Three Mile island.
I am told the levels range from 11 to 46 picoeuries per liter in samples taken last Saturday and Sunday.
The samples were taken by the Pennsylvania Department of Agricul ture from 22 dai ry farms in the area.
"According to a.uthorities, proposed Federal s t andz, rds suggest 12,000 N picoeuries per liter as the threshhold at which regula:ory protective measures should be initirted.
Obviously, the levels found in the milk do not even begin to approach that level.
Authorities also note that when radioactive levels reached up to 300 picoeuries per liter during fallout from the 1976 Chinese Nuclear tests, no precau.tionary measures were deemed ne ce s sa ry.
'" Based on these figures and appropriate Federal, state and medical authori t i es, I can say there is no present danger to consumers from milk produced in this area.
"We are continuing monitoring of milk, and we will keep you informed as further test resul ts are analyzed.
"I am concerned about the nany sensational reports and unfounded rurnors that inevitably occur during such an event.
Let me assure you that my office 11 continue to present the facts of any development related to the Tn r e Hile Island incident.
I pledge to continue to present those f a c t s a ::.a ra te l y, responsibly and in the proper perspective."
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