About Fallout (1963)

Discusses the physics, effects and defense against nuclear fallout. Describes the phenomena of natural radiation and the dangers of fallout. Explains the value of time, distance and mass in weakening the effect of residual radiation. Examines the effects of radiation on the body, food and water. Underscores adequate shelter and prescribed decontamination measures.

stock shots:
x-ray machine; hospital; animation of nuclear blast;
gamma rays; nuclear explosion in desert; animation of weather balloons; fallout shelters; hand washing;
sign: Fallout Shelter; suburban development; manuals to build a home fallout shelter; Geiger counter;
Shows man brushing off fallout dust.
symptoms of radiation sickness; woman with radiation sickness;

Voiceovers:
How to open food packages that are covered in fallout dust:
"If water for washing is in short supply, canned goods that may have been exposed to fallout may be handled safely with a piece of paper towel."
"There is another widespread legend, the fear that fallout spells death to all life on earth. The plain fact is that even if a great number of nuclear weapons were exploded, the resulting fallout would cover only a small area of the world's total land mass."
"The real concern is this . . . how do we protect ourselves?"
"If there is a nuclear attack and you survive the initial explosion, you will have at least a half hour to get to a public or home fallout shelter."
"If you're among those compelled to travel throughout a fallout area on essential errands, there are certain rules to follow. Protect your body with boots and rubbers, gloves headgear and outer clothing that can be removed before you enter the shelter."
"Recovery from radiation sickness is nothing new. Patients
who are treated by x-rays routinely experience this sickness and get over it."
"You can get over radiation sickness, just as you get over many others [sicknesses]."