Literary notes about fallout (AI summary)
In literature, the term fallout is most often used to denote the radioactive particles that descend after a nuclear explosion, a concept first defined with precision when describing the deposition of nuclear debris ([1]). It is employed not only in scientific and technical contexts—detailing protective measures such as fallout shelters and the behavior of gamma and beta particles ([2], [3], [4])—but also in broader discussions of environmental and ecological hazards, ranging from food contamination ([5], [6]) to long-term public health issues ([7], [8]). Additionally, fallout is occasionally used metaphorically to describe the lingering adverse effects of catastrophic events, extending even to economic repercussions ([9]). Overall, the varied usage underscores the multifaceted impact of fallout both as a physical phenomenon and as a potent symbol of broader, enduring consequences.
- The word “fallout” was coined to describe the deposition on the earth of radioactive debris from nuclear explosions.
— from Atoms, Nature, and Man: Man-made Radioactivity in the Environment by Neal O. Hines - If you are going to your home fallout shelter, gather up the supplies and equipment you want to take to the shelter area with you.
— from In Time of Emergency A Citizen's Handbook on Nuclear Attack, Natural Disasters (1968) by United States. Office of Civil Defense - c. Gamma rays, emitted during the nuclear detonation and in fallout, are uncharged radiation similar to X rays.
— from Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures by United States. Department of the Army - The heart of this system is fallout shelter to protect people from the radioactive fallout that would result from a nuclear attack.
— from In Time of Emergency A Citizen's Handbook on Nuclear Attack, Natural Disasters (1968) by United States. Office of Civil Defense - Efforts should be made to ensure proper packing to prevent food contamination from radioactive fallout.
— from Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures by United States. Department of the Army - In an area with high-level fallout, milk is withdrawn from human consumption.
— from Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures by United States. Department of the Army - Partial body and specific organ irradiation will occur due to shielding by equipment, from fallout particles, or from internal deposition.
— from Health Service Support in a Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Environment Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures by United States. Department of the Army - 2. Conditions created by fallout are examined for their potential long-term ecological significance.
— from Atoms, Nature, and Man: Man-made Radioactivity in the Environment by Neal O. Hines - Serbia is grappling with fallout from crisis, which has led to a sharp drop in exports to Western Europe and a decline in manufacturing output.
— from The 2010 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency
