Comparison of the radiological dose from the Cerro Grande fire to a natural wildfire.
Since the Cerro Grande fire burned portions of a Department of Energy facility where nuclear weapons research occurs, it is important to determine if the fire posed greater risk to the public than a natural fire. All wildfires release radioactive as well as other toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. Thus, it is important to determine if the radioactive air emissions from the Cerro Grande fire were statistically different than those from a natural wildfire, specifically the Viveash fire.
Volkerding
John M
JM
Stae of New Mexico Environment Department, Santa Fe, NM 87505, USA. John_Volkerding@nmenv.state.nm.us
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive; D005390:Fires; D009516:New Mexico; D009689:Nuclear Warfare; D018570:Risk Assessment
D000396:Air Pollutants, Radioactive