SWRHL-53r
SPECIAL BOVINE SAMPLING STUDY—PROJECT ROLLERCOASTER SITES
by
Raymond A. Brechbill
Animal Investigation Program
BioenvironmentaI Research
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service
June 1969
This surveillance performed under a Memorandum
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
of
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LEGAL, NOTICE
This report was prepared as an account of Government sponsored
work. Neither the United States, nor the Atomic Energy Commission,
nor any person acting on behalf of the Commission:
A. Makes any warranty or representation, expressed or implied,
with respect to the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of the in-
formation contained in this report, or that the use of any information,
apparatus, method, or process disclosed in this report may not in-
fringe privately owned rights; or
B. Assumes any liabilities with respect to the use of, or for damages
resulting from the use of any information, apparatus, method, or pro-
cess disclosed in this report.
As used in the above, "person acting on behalf of the Commission" in-
cludes any employee or contractor of the Commission, or employee
of such contractor, to the extent that such employee or,contractor of
the Commission, or employee of such contractor prepares, dissemin-
ates, or provides access to, any information pursuant to his employ-
ment or contract with the Commission, or his employment with such
contractor.
100
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SWRHL-53r
SPECIAL BOVINE SAMPLING STUDY—PROJECT ROLLERCOASTER SITES
by
Raymond A. BrechbiI I
Animal Investigation Program
BioenvironmentaI Research
Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
Consumer Protection and Environmental Health Service
June 1969
This surveillance performed under a Memorandum of
Understanding (No. SF 54 373)
for the
U. S. ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION
-------
ABSTRACT
Six bovine, three young animals and three aged animals, that had been
grazing on or near the 1963 Project Rollercoaster sites were sacrificed
in April 1967 to assess the body burden of 239Pu in these animals.
Levels found in various tissues were higher than those found in bovine
grazing on the NTS but far below the MPC levels established for humans.
The maximum dose an individual could receive from consuming tissue from
these animals is negligible. No pathology was found on either gross
or microscopic examination that could be directly related to radiation.
Due to the obscure etiology of the described lesions, it would be
impossible to reach any definite conclusions as to their origin; but
it would appear to be due to some other cause than radiation, since
the body burden of 239Pu was well below those levels known to induce
detectable radiation damage.
No statistical difference was found in the levels of 239Pu between the
young and aged animals.
Hilaria jameaii constituted 86% of the animals' diet.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
INTRODUCTION
METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
REFERENCES
APPENDIX
DISTRIBUTION
i
ii
i i i
1
2
3
7
10
11
n
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Concentrations of pCi 239Pu/g Ash Found in Selected
Biological Samples Collected from Young and Aged Bovine
Grazing on the Project Rollercoaster Sites. 4
Table 2. Statistical Summary of 239Pu Concentrations in pCi/g Ash
Found in Selected Biological Samples Collected from Young
and Aged Bovine Grazing on the Project Rollercoaster Sites. 5
Table A-l. Gamma Spectroscopy - Rumen Contents. 11
Table A-2. Gamma Spectroscopy - Thyroid. 11
Table A-3. Gamma Spectroscopy - Abomasum Contents. 12
Table A-4. Gamma Spectroscopy - Abomasum Tissue. 12
Table A-5. Gamma Spectroscopy - Lung. 13
Table A-6. Gamma Spectroscopy - Muscle. 13
Table A-7. Gamma Spectroscopy - Liver. 14
Table A-8. Bone Femur - 89Sr and 90Sr Results - Duplicate Samples. 14
1 1 !
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INTRODUCTION
During Project Rollercoaster which was held in the spring of 1963 on the
Tonopah Test Range, 239Pu was liberated in each of four separate events.
As a result of these events, the Atomic Energy Commission, Nevada Opera-
tions Office (AEC/NVOO) in 1967 requested the U.S. Public Health Service,
Animal Investigation Program to conduct a followup study of the cattle
grazing on the contaminated sites to assess the uptake of this particular
radionuclide. '
(2)
According to Glora and Aokiv ' considerable degradation of detectable
surface activity has been noted on the sites; however, they further
stated, "239Pu is still present in sufficient quantity to present a
potential health hazard unless access is adequately controlled." Although
the project sites have been reasonably well closed to humans since the
time of the events, range cattle have grazed periodically on and near the
sites following the test series. The most highly contaminated portion of
each Rollercoaster site is fenced to control access.
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METHODS
Six head of range cattle (three mature animals and three young animals)
which had been grazing on the Project Rollercoaster sites were purchased
from the Daniel's Ranch Estate, transported to the Well 3 facility at the
Nevada Test Site (NTS), and sacrificed on 26 April 1967.
Methods utilized for this sacrifice and investigation were essentially
the same as those outlined in SWRHL ITR-11^ and those in AIP-3(3)
except for the submission of additional biological samples for 239Pu
analysis, additional tissue samples for histopathology, and rumen content
samples for food habit analysis.
A portion of the biological sample was first submitted for gamma spectros-
copy and then recombined with the remaining portion for 239Pu analysis.
The following biological samples were collected:
1. For gamma spectroscopy: 2. For radiochemistry:
Abomasum Contents Bone, Femur (Left & Right)
Abomasum Tissue Kidneys
Liver Liver
Lung, Tips of Each Lobe Lungs
Muscle Muscle
Rumen Contents Pulmonary Lymph Nodes
Thyroid Rumen Contents
Spleen
3, For histopathology:
Bone (Costochondral Junction 8th Rib) Muscle
Heart Pulmonary Lymph Nodes
Kidney Spleen
Liver Thyroid
Lung Abnormal Tissue
Tissue samples were taken from three young and three old bovine.
Plutonium-239 analysis was then done on these samples. The pCi/g ash
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concentrations found in the tissues are given in Table 1. Means and
standard deviations were calculated for each tissue for the three young,
the three aged, and the combined group. Nondetectable activities were
treated as zero in these calculations. A t-statistic was calculated for
the difference between the means of the young and aged bovine for each
tissue.
RESULTS
The average concentrations of plutonium-239* in bone was 3.86 ± 3.35 pCi/g
ash (Table 1). Values in other biological samples ranged from a low of
0.09 ± 0.03 pCi/g ash in liver to a high of 0.80 + 0.41 in spleen.
Average strontium-89 and -90 values in bone of 6.7 ± 1.7 and 11.7 ±
0.6pCi/g ash, respectively, are comparable to those values found in
bovine from other areas on the state and the NTS.' '
Iodine-131 at an average level of 6.28 pCi/g tissue was detected in each
thyroid sampled.
Other programmed nuclides were nondetectable in most samples collected.
Those few exceptions were at or near nondetectable levels with our count-
ing systems.
The calculated t-statistics can be compared with the t-distribution
values for four degrees of freedom: t(95%) = 2.776 and t(99%) = 4.604.
No significant difference was found between the young and aged bovine
tissues. The means, standard deviations, and t-statistics are presented
in Table 2.
Gross and microscopic pathology in this group of six cows (Appendix B)
fell within three categorical groups. Group 1 would be those lesions
directly attributable to the method of sacrifice and the terminal
struggling prior to death. Included in this group would be all gross
*Plutonium-239 accounts for 95% of the Pu counted.
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Table 1. Concentrations of pCi 239Pu/g Ash Found in Selected Biological Samples Collected from Young
and Aged Bovine Grazing on the Project Rollercoaster Sites.
TISSUE
Bone (Femur)
AGED BOVINE YOUNG BOVINE
BOV-1-
N14-67
9.20 ± 0.52*
Liver 0.07 ± 0.04
Lung 0.31 ± 0.02
Muscle 0.67 ± 0.14
Rumen Contents 0.81 ± 0.06
Spleen 0.87 ± 0.14
Pulmonary
Lymph Nodes
N.D.**
Kidney 0.34 ± 0.03
BOV-2- BOV-3- BOV-4- BOV-5- BOV-6-
N14-67 ,M4-67 Ml 4-67 N14-67 NT 4-67
0.92 ± 0.23 0.60 ± 0.06 1.81 ± 0.33 5.25 ± 0.39 5.38 ± 0.44
0.07 ± 0.05 0.11 ± 0.04 0.07 ± 0.06 0.12 ±0.07 0.12+0.06
0.38 ± 0.12 0.35 ± 0.07 2.40 ± 0.10 0.10 ± 0.06 0.20 ± 0.07
0.26 ± 0.11 N.D. 0.52 ± 0.13 0.56 ± 0.13 0.63 ± 0.14
0.77 ± 0.07 0.27 ± 0.07 1.29 ± 0.91 0.72 ± 0.07 0.37 ± 0.08
0.90 ± 0.08 0.52 ± 0.10 0.67 ± 0.17 1.50 ±0.20 0.32 ±0.17
1.00 ± 0.90 N.D. N.D. N.D. 0.09 ± 0.05
1.46 ± 0.10 0.38 ± 0.06 0.06 ± 0.06 0.97 ± 0.16 0.51 + 0.10
*Counting Error - 2 a
**Not Detectable
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Table 2. Statistical Summary of 239Pu Concentrations in pCi/g Ash Found
in Selected Biological Samples Collected from Young and Aged
Bovine Grazing on the Project Rollercoaster Sites.
Tissue
Bone (Femur)
Liver
Lung
Muscle
Rumen Contents
Spleen
Pulmonary
Lymph Nodes
Kidney
Three
Aged Bovine
3.57 ± 4.88*
0.08 ± 0.02
0.35 ± 0.04
0.31 ± 0.34
0.62 ± 0.30
0.76 ± 0.21
0.33 ± 0.58
0.73 ± 0.64
Three
Young Bovine
4.15 ± 2.02
0.10 ± 0.03
0.90 ± 1.30
0.57 ± 0.06
0.79 ± 0.46
0.83 ± 0.61
0.03 ± 0.05
0.51 ± 0.46
All Six
Bovine
3.86 ± 3.35
0.09 ± 0.03
0.62 ± 0.88
0.44 ± 0.26
0.70 ± 0.36
0.80 ± 0.41
0.18 ± 0.40
0.62 ± 0.51
t-Statistic
0.16
0.78
0.60
1.07
0.44
0.15
0.73
0.39
*Mean ± Standard Deviation about the Mean.
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and microscopic lesions described in the lung, focal hemorrhage in the
cortex and medulla of a lymph node, fracture of a mandible, rupture of
the rumen wall with spillage of rumen contents into the peritoneal cavity,
myositis, and focal accumulations of polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the
sinusoids of the liver, and of mononuclear leucocytes in the cardiac
muscle.
Group 2 would be those lesions that are generally considered to be of an
acquired nature. Included in this group would be the following micro-
scopic lesions: sarcosporidia in the cardiac and skeletal muscles and
focal acute interstitial nephritis and focal pyelonephritis in the kidney.
Group 3 would be those lesions that could possibly be attributable to
prolonged exposure to small quantities of alpha, beta, or gamma radiation.
Included in this group would be the following microscopic lesions: an
increase in the connective tissue in the medulla and a degree of lymphoid
exhaustion in the cortex of a lymph node, focal accumulations of immature
and mature lymphocytes in the kidney suggestive of an early lymphosarcoma,
and moderate myeloid metaplasia in a spleen.
Hilaria jamesii constituted 86% of the six animals' diet on this range
(Appendix C).
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DISCUSSION
The isotope 239pu W1'th a physical half-life of 2.44 X 10k years and a
biological half-life of about 200 years is of major concern when it is
available to biological organisms.
Essentially, the total quantity of plutonium which is incorporated into
an organism remains there and provides a constant lifetime dose. Since
plutonium is primarily an alpha emitter, the hazard is from internal
deposition and subsequent incorporation into the cells of the organism.
Only about 0.003%^ ' of ingested plutonium is absorbed into the blood
and available to the body for metabolism. Inhalation is the most
important consideration. On the Rollercoaster sites, 239Pu is avail-
able to bovine by both routes. However, the results obtained from
this study indicate that the major route is ingestion, since the pul-
monary lymph nodes contained essentially nondetectable amounts of this
isotope.
The critical organ for this isotope is bone. The maximum permissible body
burden for man as shown in the National Bureau of Standards Handbook 69^)
is 0.04 yCi. Considering that 90% of this isotope is deposited in bone
and using the standard man's 7,000 g bone mass with a conversion factor
of about 30% ash weight, we can convert the maximum permissible body
burden as
(40,000 pCi) (0.9 bone deposition) = 17.1 pCi/g bone ash MPBB
(7,000 g) (0.3 conversion wet bone to ash)
This is a factor of almost twice the maximum bone burden of any of the
animals and slightly more than four times the average burden. It is
realized that only general comparisons can be made between man and bovine.
No MPBB has been calculated for bovine; and, since bovine have much
shorter life spans than man, these MPBB's obviously would not be the same.
Since the cattle that graze on this area are sold on the open market and
available for general public consumption, the maximized dose a person
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would receive eating 8 oz of meat at each meal for 50 years has been
calculated, Assuming that the amount of 239Pu would remain the same
in the muscles of these animals for 50 years.
24 oz,meat x 28.4 £ = 682 g/day x 0.44 Pl u = 300 pCi/day
day oz 9
Critical organ = bone. ICRP II data:
f = 2.4 x 10" s
w
Teff = 7.2xlO»day + xfiff = y.^JQU = 9.6X10'6 day"1
m = 7xl03 g bone
ZEF(RBE) n = 270
Assume 50 year irradiation and intake -> then percent equilibrium
reached is l-e"At =0.16 from ICRP II
P = daily intake to bone = ^ x f w = 300x10" 6x2. 4x10" 5 = 7. 2x10" 9
Integrated dose:
(270) <50x365) -
= 2.4 rem
At the end of 50 years a person would have received 2.4 rem. This may
be compared to a recommended dose of 0.5 rem/year for members of the
general public (ICRP 9 ) or 0.5 X 50 = 25 rem in 50 years.
It appears from these calculations that the potential hazard to the
public from consuming this meat is negligible.
Group 1 lesions attributable to the method of sacrifice are presented
primarily for clarification of the overall picture. These lesions will
vary with each individual animal and each sacrifice and have no clinical
significance in our studies.
8
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Group 2 lesions were consistent with previously reported lesions in
cattle sacrificed at Knoll Creek, Delamar Valley, and the Nevada Test
Site semi annually. These lesions are assumed to be due to natural pro-
cesses occurring in random populations.
Group 3 lesions are of a type that could be attributable to prolonged
exposure to low levels of ingested radioisotopes. The lesions have
also been described in animals throughout the United States that have
had no known exposure to radiation above background levels.
The species of grass Hilaria jamesii when present on grazing areas is
commonly a major portion of the bovine diet. This food habit analyses
indicated no deviations from the expected diet.
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REFERENCES:
1. Defense Atomic Support Agency. Nuclear Branch, Atomic Weapons Train-
ing Group, Field Command. 1963. Hazardous materials associated with
nuclear energy. Sandia Base, Albuquerque, N. Mex. 70 p.
2. Glora, M. A., and I. Aoki. 1966. Radiological conditions at Project
Rollercoaster sites - 1965. NVO-162-19. Reynolds Electr. & Eng. Co.,
Inc., NVOO, Mercury, Nev. 28 p.
3. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory. Animal Investigation
Program, Bioenvironmental Research. 1964. Routine bovine sampling
study. Protocol AIP-3. USPHS, Las Vegas, Nev. 3 p.
4. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory. Animal Investigation
Program, Bioenvironmental Research. 1967. Special bovine sampling
study, Project Rollercoaster sites. Protocol AIP-16. USPHS,
Las Vegas, Nevada. 3 p.
5. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory. Bioenvironmental
Research. 1967. Progress report of the Animal Investigation Program,
June ls 1964 through December 31, 1965, part I, veterinary public
relations and animal investigations. Intralaboratory Report ITR-11.
USPHS, Las Vegas, Nev. 91 p.
6. Southwestern Radiological Health Laboratory. Animal Investigation
Program, Bioenvironmental Research. 1967. Progress report of the
Animal Investigation Program, June 1, 1964, through December 31, 1965S
' part II, routine bovine sampling studies. Bioenvironmental Research
Report BER-8. USPHS, Las Vegas, Nev. 113 p.
7. U.S. Department of Commerce. 1959. Maximum permissible body burdens
and maximum permissible concentrations of radionuc'ides in air and in
water for occupational exposure. National Bureau o<~ Standards
Handbook 69. U.S. Govt. Print. Off., Washington, D.C. 95 p.
10
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APPENDIX
12
A. Radioanalysis Results
B. Pathology 15
C. Food Habit Results 21
11
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APPENDIX A
RADIOANALYSIS RESULTS
Table A-l. Gamma Spectroscopy - Rumen Contents.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-RuC-67
BOV-2-RuC-67
BOV-3-RuC-67
BOV-4-RuC-67
BOV-5-RuC-67
BOV-6-RuC-67
AVERAGE
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
.836
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
.313
ND
ND
137Cs /
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
K
g/g
.0020
ND
.0012
ND
ND
.0019
.0017
ND = Nondetectable
Table A-2. Gamma Spectroscopy - Thyroid.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-Th-67
BOV-2-Th-67
BOV-3-Th-67
BOV-4-TH-67
BOV-5-Th-67
BOV-6-Th-67
AVERAGE
131j
pCi/g
4.43
5.13
7.74
5.76
6.98
7.76
6.28
i^Ce
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
140Ba
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
K
g/g
.0080
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND = Nondetectable
12
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Table A-3. Gamma Spectroscopy - Abomasum Contents.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-AbC-67
BOV-2-AbC-67
BOV-3-AbC-67
BOV-4-AbC-67
BOV-5-AbC-67
BOV-6-AbC-67
AVERAGE
131j
pCi/g
.109
ND
ND
.014
ND
.313
.145
l^Ce
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
.052
ND
ND
^°Ba
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
.051
ND
.173
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
.440
ND
ND
ND
.209
.191
.280
K
g/g
.0032
0060
.0046
.0043
.0027
.0059
.0044
ND = Nondetectable
Table A-4. Gamma Spectroscopy - Abomasum Tissue.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-AbT-67
BOV-2-AbT-67
BOV-3-AbT-67
BOV-4-AbT-67
BOV-5-AbT-67
BOV-6-AbT-67
AVERAGE
131j
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
i^Ce
pci/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
14°Ba
pci/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
.353
ND
ND
ND
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
ND
ND
.067
ND
ND
ND
K
g/g
.0019
.0016
.0017
,0025
.0027
.0040
.0024
ND = Nondetectable
13
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Table A-5. Gamma Spectroscopy - Lung.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-Lu-67
BOV-2-Lu-67
BOV-S-Lu-67
BOV-4-Lu-67
BOV-5-LU-67
BOV-6-Lu-67
131!
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
.137
ND
ND
if4Ce
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
llt0Ba
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
.070
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
K
g/g
.0020
ND
ND
ND
ND
.0021
ND = Nondetectable
Table A-6. Gamma Spectroscopy - Muscle.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-Mu-67
BOV-2-Mu-67
BOV-3-MU-67,-
BOV-4-MU-67
BOV-S-Mu-67
BOV-G-Mu-67
AVERAGE
131j
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
i^Ce
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
i"°Ba
pCi/g
.036
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
.129
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
.090
ND
ND
.041
.113
.145
.097 '
I
K
g/g
.0029
.0043
.0042
.0035
.0046
.0046
.0040
ND = Nondetectable
14
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Table A-7. Gamma Spectroscopy - Liver.
AIP NO.
BOV-l-Li-67
BOV-2-L1-67
BOV-3-L1-67
BOV-4-L1-67
BOV-5-U-67
BOV-6-L1-67
AVERAGE
131!
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
^"Ce
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
.415
ND
.605
i"°Ba
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
106Ru
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
137Cs
pCi/g
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
ND
K
g/g
.0029
.0039
.0020
.0020
.0024
.0033
.0027
ND = Nondetectable
Table A-8. Bone Femur - 89Sr and 90Sr Results - Duplicate Samples,
pCi 89Sr/g Ash pCi 90Sr/g Ash
Counting Counting
Error* Error
BOV-1-N14-67 4.0 ± 2.0 14.1 ± 0.7
3.8 ± 1.8 15.4 ± 0.6
BOV-2-N14-67 7.9 ± 1.7 12.3 ± 0.6
5.9 ± 1.9 14.1 ± 0.7
BOV-3-N14-67 4.2 ± 1.7 13.5 ± 0.6
4.8 ± 1.6 12.2 ± 0.6
BOV-4-N14-67 5.4 ±1.7 9.9 ± 0.6
0.0 ± 2.8 10.9 ± 0.8
BOV-5-N14-67 16.1 ± 1.1 6.7 ± 0.4
14.6 ± 1.2 6.9 ± 0.4
BOV-6-N14-67 4.9 ± 1.6 12.0 ± 0.6
6.0 ± 1.7 12.7 ± 0.6
AVERAGE 6.7 ±1.7 11.7 ± 0.6
*2o
15
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APPENDIX B - PATHOLOGY
All animals sacrificed had probably grazed on and near the Rollercoaster
sites their entire lives.
The animals are laid on their right sides. A ventral midline incision
is made, and the skin and left foreleg and hindleg are reflected dorsally.
The abdominal musculature is incised on the midline reflected dorsally.
The ribs are cut at the costochondral rib and at the vertebra. The ribs
are then removed and the thoracic cavity revealed.
1. BOV-1-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 0930 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 1000 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: Aged WEIGHT: 386.4 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Crossbred Shorthorn
b. External Appearance.
The animal is an aged lactating shorthorn cross in good condition.
She is a dark red animal with long horns.
c. Digestive System.
Rumen is filled with ingesta. Ingesta is quite dry but of bright
green color.
d. Genitourinary System.
Cow is lactating--milk flows freely when mammary gland is incised.
e. Respiratory System.
Diaphragmatic lobes are penetrated with a .243 bullet. Bullet tran-
sects both lobes on a horizontal line—entered on left side and exited
on right side. Parietal cavity contains several 100 cc's of clotted
blood. Lungs show intralobular emphysema.
16
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f. Miscellaneous.
Cow is in excellent condition with much subcutaneous and peri renal
fat.
g. Organ Weights and Measurements.
Lung Weight: 2,895 grams
Left Apical 165 grams Right Apical
Left Cardiac 115 grams
Left Diaphragmatic 840 grams
Intermediate 170 grams
Right Cardiac
Right Diaphragmatic
200 grams
291 grams
1,114 grams
Thyroid Weight: 53.0 grams
h. Necropsy Results.
Lung: Erythrocytes are present in lumina of all bronchioles
which were observed.
Lymph Node: Microscopically, it appears that there is an increase
in connective tissue in the medulla and a degree of
lymphoid exhaustion in the cortex.
2. BOV-2-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH: 9 Aug. 67
HOUR: 0930
LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 1030 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: Aged WEIGHT: 398 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Crossbred Shorthorn
b. External Appearance.
The cow is an aged, lactating, white, horned, shorthorn crossbred
animal in good condition.
17
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c. Organ Heights and Measurements.
Lung Weight: 3,308 grams
158 grams
130 grams
927 grams
93 grams
Left Apical
Left Cardiac
Left Diaphragmatic
Intermediate
Right Apical
Right Cardiac
Right Diaphragmatic
507 grams
312 grams
1,181 grams
Thyroid Weight: 32.5 grams
d. Necropsy Results.
Lung: There is focal hemorrhage into the alveoli and some
bronchioles. There is focal atelectasis.
Cardiac Muscle: Few Saroocystis spp. are present.
BOV-3-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH: 9 Aug. 67
HOUR: 0930
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 1100
LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: Aged WEIGHT: 329.5 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Hereford Crossbreed
b. External Appearance.
This is an aged,Hereford-crossbred, lactating cow in fair condition.
Organ Weights and Measurements.
Lung Weight:
108 grams
153 grams
841 grams
129 grams
Thyroid Weight: 23.0 grams
d. Necropsy Results.
Kidney: Focal acute interstitial nephritis and focal
pyelonephritis are present.
c.
Left Apical
Left Cardiac
Left Diaphragmatic
Intermediate
2,804 grams
Right Apical 365 grams
Right Cardiac 211 grams
Right Diaphragmatic 997 grams
18
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4. BOV-4-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH: 9 Aug. 67
HOUR: 0930
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67
LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
HOUR: 1130 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 306 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Hereford Crossbreed
b. External Appearance.
Animal is in good condition.
c. Organ Heights and Measurements.
Lung Weight: 3,175 grams
Left Apical 181 grams Right Apical 529 grams
Left Cardiac 124 grams Right Cardiac 205 grams
Left Diaphragmatic 958 grams Right Diaphragmatic 1,194 grams
Intermediate 84 grams
Thyroid Weight: 25.0 grams (Before pathology sample taken)
Thyroid Weight: 24.0 grams (After pathology sample taken)
d. Necropsy Results.
Lymph Node: Focal hemorrhage in the cortex and medulla is
present.
Kidney: Focal accumulations of immature and mature lymphocytes
which is suggestive of early lymphosarcoma.
Cardiac Muscle: Moderate sarcosporidiosis is present.
5. BOV-5-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH:
9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 0930 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 1200 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: 1 year WEIGHT: 177 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Hereford
19
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b. External Appearance.
The animal is a yearling mixed Hereford heifer in good condition.
c. Digestive System.
Rumen contents are found in the peritoneal cavity.
d. Respiratory System.
Lung shows severe intralobular emphysema as if animal had been
strenuously exerted prior to death.
e. Miscellaneous.
The ventral edge of the lateral surface of the left mandible is
fractured from a bullet.
f.
Left Apical
Left Cardiac
Left Diaphragmatic
Intermediate
Right Apical
Right Cardiac
Right Diaphragmatic
124 grams
188 grams
610 grams
Organ Weights and Measurements.
Lung Weight: 2,505 grams
427 grams
235 grams
832 grams
89 grams
Thyroid Weight: 15 grams (Before pathology sample taken)
Thyroid Weight: 14 grams (After pathology sample taken)
g. Necropsy Results.
Kidney: Congestion is marked.
Skeletal Muscle: A slight myositis is present characterized by
the presence of both mononuclear and poly-
morphonuclear leucocytes which are present in
the perimysical tissue.
Lung: Focal alveolar edema and atelectasis are present.
Liver: There are focal accumulations of polymorphonuclear
leucocytes present in the sinusoids—this is not
indicative of acute hepatitis.
Cardiac Muscle: Focal accumulations of mononuclear leucocytes
are present in the perimysium.
20
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6. BOV-6-N14-67
a. History.
DATE OF DEATH: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 0930 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
DATE OF NECROPSY: 9 Aug. 67 HOUR: 1230 LOCATION: Tonopah Test
Range
SEX: Female AGE: 2 years WEIGHT: 341 kg METHOD: Estimate
SPECIES: Bovine COMMON NAME: Cow BREED: Hereford
b. External Appearance.
Cow is a 2-year-old Hereford in excellent condition.
c. Respiratory System.
Animal shows signs of intralobular emphysema from exertion prior to
death. Trachea contains 150 cc of clotted blood.
d. Organ Heights and Measurements.
Lung Weight: 3,262 grams
Left Apical 212 grams Right Apical 303 grams
Left Cardiac 99 grams Right Cardiac 192 grams
Left Diaphragmatic 1,643 grams Right Diaphragmatic 748 grams
Intermediate 65 grams
Thyroid Weight: 30 grams (Before pathology sample taken)
Thyroid Weight: 29 grams (After pathology sample taken)
e. Necropsy Results.
Lung: Extensive alveolar hemorrhage is present.
Cardiac Muscle: Slight sarcosporidiosis is present.
Skeletal Muscle: Slight sarcosporidiosis is present.
Spleen: Moderate myeloid metaplasia is present.
21
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APPENDIX C - FOOD HABIT RESULTS
1. BOV-1-RuC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Orhysopsis hymenoides
Atriplex canescens
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Unidentified forb
Stanleya spp.
Sporobolus airoides
Eriogowm spp.
Euphorbia spp.
Unidentified brouse
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
2. BOV-2-RuC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Sphaeralcea ambigua
Atriplex canescens
Stanleya pinnata
Salsola kali
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Eriogonum spp.
Unidentified forb
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
3. BOV-3-RuC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Atriplex canescens
Sarcobatus vermiculatus
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Sporobolus airoides
Stems-Leaves-Heads
Seed-Leaves
Leaves-Seeds
Flower
Stems
Seeds
Head-Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves
Leaves-Stems
Stems-Leaves-Heads
Stems-Leaves-Fl owers
Stems-Leaves
Seeds-Fruit
Leaves
Seeds
Leaves
Stems
Leaves-Stems
Stems-Leaves
Stems-Leaves-Fruit-Seeds
Stems-Leaves
Seeds
Heads
Vol. %*
98%
1%
1%
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
63%
30%
5%
2%
T
T
T
T
T
86%
10%
3%
1%
T
*Vol. % = percent by volume of a
animal.
T = Trace
species found in the ingesta from each
22
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3. BOV-3-RuC-Nl4-67 (continued)
Sphaeraloea ambigua
Eriogonum spp.
Unidentified forbs
4. BOV-4-RUC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Sphaeraloea ambigua
Saroobatus vermiculatus
Sporobolus airoides
Stanleya pinnata
Ephedra nevadensis
A triplex oanesoens
5. BQV-5-RUC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Saraobatus vermiculatus
Orhyzopsis hymenoides
Sphaeralcea cmbigua
Eriogonwn spp.
Sporobolus airoides
Franseria aoanthioarpa
Atriplex aanesaens
6. BOV-6-RuC-N14-67
Hilaria jamesii
Orhysopsis hymenoides
Spnaeraloea ambigua
Sporobolus airoides
Saraobatus vermiculatus
Atriplex oanesoens
Franseria aoanthioarpa
Unidentified forb
Ephedra viridis
Leaves-Stems
Leaves
Stems
Leaves-Stems-Seeds
Seeds-Stems
Seeds-Fruit-Flowers-Leaves-Stems
Stems-Leaves
Heads-Leaves
Seeds
Stems
Leaves
Stems-Leaves
Stems-Leaves
Seeds-Stems
Seeds
Leaves
Heads
Fruit-Leaves
Leaves
Leaves-Stems
Seeds-Stems
Leaves
Heads-Leaves
Leaves-Fruit
Leaves
Fruit
Stems
Stems
Vol. %
T
T
T
89%
5%
4%
1%
1%
T
T
T
92%
5%
3%
T
T
T
T
T
90%
8%
1%
1%
T
T
T
T
T
23
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DI SIR I BUT I ON
1-18 SWRHL, Las Vegas, Nevada
19 Robert E. Miller, Manager, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
20 R. H. Thalgott, Test Manager, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
21 Chief, NOB/DASA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
22 Henry G. VermiI I ion, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
23 NTS Support Office, NVOO/AEC, Mercury, Nevada
24 Robert R. Loux, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
25 D. W. Hendricks, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
26 Martin B. Biles, DOS, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
27 John S. Kelly, DPNE, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
28 Philip W. Allen, ARL/ESSA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
29 Frank D. Cluff, ARL/ESSA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
30 Gilbert Ferber, ARL/ESSA, Silver Springs, Maryland
31 - 35 Charles L. Weaver, BRH, PHS, Rockville, Maryland
36 Bernd Kahn, BRH, RATSEC., Cincinnati, Ohio
37 Northeastern Radiological Health Lab., Winchester, Mass.
38 Southeastern Radiological Health Lab., Montgomery, Alabama
39 Wm. C. King, LRL, Mercury, Nevada
40 H. L. Reynolds, LRL, Livermore, California
41 R. E. Batzel, LRL, Livermore, California
42 John W. Gofman, LRL, Livermore, California
43 Wm. E. Ogle, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
44 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
45 Victor M. Mi I Iigan, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
46 Clinton S. Maupin, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
47 Paul T. Tueller, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
48 V. R. Bohman, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
49 Director, Nevada Fish & Game Commission, Reno, Nevada
50 P. Gustafson, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
51 B. F. Murphey, Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
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Distribution (continued)
52 H. L. Rarrick, Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
53 R. G. Fuller, BMI-LV, Las Vegas, Nevada
54 CETO, Ecology Studies, Mercury, Nevada
55 Dr. Arthur Wallace, Lab. of Nuclear Medicine., U. of Ca I .,
Los Angeles, California
56 Clifton Blincoe, College of Agriculture, U. of Nev., Reno, Nevada
57 Robert Lynch, U.S.Dept. of Agriculture, Las Vegas, Nevada
58 - 59 DTIE, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE
August 14, 1969 REFER TO: TTR:RDT
3 O, BOX 1S027
To the Distribution:
The following corrections should be made in SWRHL-53r, "Special
Bovine Sampling Study-- Project Rollercoaster Sites. "
Page i, first paragraph of the ABSTRACT change date
April 1967 to read August 1967.
Page 2, first paragraph of METHODS - change date
26 April 1967 to read 9 August 1967.
Page 2, first paragraph of METHODS - change, "transported
to the Well 3 facility at the Nevada Test Site(NTS), " to
read, "transported to the Tonopah Test Range(TTR), ".
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DISTRIBUTION
1-18 SWRHL, Las Vegas, Nevada
19 Robert E. Miller, Manager, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
20 R. H. Thalgott, Test Manager, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
21 Chief, NOB/DASA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
22 Henry G. Vermillion, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
23 NTS Support Office, NVOO/AEC, Mercury, Nevada
24 Robert R. Loux, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
25 D. W. Hendricks, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
26 Martin B. Biles, DOS, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
27 John S. Kelly, DPNE, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
28 Philip W. Allen, ARL/ESSA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
29 Frank D. Cluff, ARL/ESSA, AEC/NVOO, Las Vegas, Nevada
30 Gilbert Ferber, ARL/ESSA, Silver Springs, Maryland
31 - 35 Charles L. Weaver, BRH, PHS, Rockville, Maryland
36 Bernd Kahn, BRH, RATSEC., Cincinnati, Ohio
37 Northeastern Radiological Health Lab., Winchester, Mass.
38 Southeastern Radiological Hea th Lab., Montgomery, Alabama
39 Wm. C. King, LRL, Mercury, Nevada
40 H. L. Reyno ds, LRL, Livermore, California
41 R. E. Batzel, LRL, Livermore, California
42 John W. Gofrnan, LRL, Livermore, California
43 Wm. E. Ogle, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
44 Harry S. Jordan, LASL, Los Alamos, New Mexico
45 Victor M. Milligan, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
46 Clinton S. Maupin, REECo., Mercury, Nevada
47 Paul T. Tueller, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
48 V. R. Bohman, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
49 Director, Nevada Fish & Game Commission, Reno, Nevada
50 P. Gustafson, USAEC, Washington, D. C.
51 B. F. Murphey, Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
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Distribution (continued)
52 H. L. Rarrick, Sandia Corporation, Albuquerque, N. Mex.
53 R. G. Fuller, BMI-LV, Las Vegas, Nevada
54 CETO, Ecology Studies, Mercury,- Nevada
55 Dr. Arthur Wallace, Lab. of Nuclear Medicine., U. of Ca I . ,
Los Angeles, California
56 Clifton Blincoe, College of Agriculture, U. of Nev., Reno, Nevada
57 Robert Lynch, U.S.Dept. of Agriculture, Las Vegas, Nevada
58 - 59 DTIE, Oak Ridge, Tennessee
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