Chapter 29, Problem 76RPP

To determine

The correct reason from the provided choices, for the difficulty in performing calculation for the total number of deaths due to cancer in 5 years, if the radioactive materials such as cesium-131 and iodine-131 were released into the atmosphere because of nuclear accident resulting in exposure to radioactive material in an area of 80 km. Nearly 2 million people were residing there and, on an average, were exposed to 1 rem radiation. It is found that if 10,000 people were exposed to a radiation of 1 rem, then approximately 6 people have died. 4000 people die per year due to cancer caused by other reasons.

a. The number of people staying in their homes is unknown.

b. Faulty radiation detection.

c. The fraction of people who left the area was unknown.

d. Normal cancer rate increased as compared to the cancer death due to accident.

e. The facts about radiation exposure were changed by authority.