Barium-140 Radioactivity in Foods

Abstract

Ba/sup 140/ was observed in deer and cattle in the summer of 1956, presumably the result of nuclear tests. However, no commercial beef was found to be contaminated. In the months of June, July, and August of 1957 the isotope appeared in milk samples in the United States. The dates and concentrations of Ba/sup 140/ in powdered milk is summarized for those locations at which the Ba/ sup 140/ gamma activity exceeded that of natural K/sup 40/. (J.S.R.)