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SPECIFIC PROPOSALS FOR THE NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOISOTOPES PRODUCED BY THE MANHATTAN ENGINEER DISTRICT ( INCLUDES LETTERS OF ATURAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES LIST OF MEMBERS OF INTERIM ADVISO ... Addressee: WARREN S L

Dated
Jan 3, 1946
Document type
Correspondence
Length
20 pages
Open the original scanArchive record OSTI ID 16385402 · public domain

Archive description

Complete title: specific proposals for the national distribution of radioisotopes produced by the manhattan engineer district. Includes letters of natural academy of sciences, list of members of interim advisory committee on isotope distribution policy; achre final report, chapter 6, note 1

Document text

Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.

Page 1

From: Radiofsotope Comlttee of ClUton Laboratorfes The proodsala directly stated herein without discussion are derived front the considerations 3n tho more exlpustive document, entitled NATIONAL DISlXIBUTION OF RADIOISOTOPES FROM THE f.TAMIATpBN ENGINEZR DXSIRDCT" and the subsidiary memoranda attached t o the latt&, Both of these documate were mepared by Waldo E. Cobn, a m e m b e r of the R sdio i ao to pe Committee of CUnton Laboratories, atthe direction of the Committee. Thia committee was appointed by the Director of Clinton Laboratories exaressly for the study of the problem of radfaiaotope productioxr and distribution and includes thoae individuals who are in dfrect charge of the exo er hen td productfan of radfoieotopes 8% III, O PEW ION

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Since radioisotopes ere rnroduced at mesent o n l y on an exoerfmental basle by research and develonnent groups within the Project, and since &table facilities for routine production or for moduction in other than specified forms are not p t arrailable, we recosmrend thut radioisotopes be uxxderstaod t o be available only in the amounts and forms and a t the times specified by the prodtrtlng laboratory, and that tbia laboratory be regarded as the f'inal authorfty re lg tl tre to availability end a8 t o w h a t materials may be emosed fn the biles. Shrce-the same groups and Individuals w i t h 2 n the Project.'who are able to produce radiofaotopee in fonna suitable fur general dlstribution are also those in whose hands llee the responsibilltp far exuansion and develoment of radioimtupe uroduction within the Project, we recommend that no coma,ltmentsbe undertaken with regard t o uresent uroduction that will hinder or obatruct thefr progress fn the direction not& and that they be recognized as the utrthoritiee . relative t o the balanca of sumly, demand and uru&rese. Since radioisotopes are at th la time ur bari ly of value in SCh ~ tflk reiearcho which is In the lrrrblic welfare, and since the Project and lte pereoMel.have a definite 3nterest in pr mot iq such reseerch and hmve a debt t o it, ne recommend that radioisotopes oraduced by the Project be diatrlbuted preferentially t o reasareh workers who pfll rake generally hewn and available the resalts of the research facilitated by the use of Project-supblled radiofsotabes, said d is tri - butbn to be a t a nom- cost o r out of mcket cod, if such can ba Since industrial. o r commercial ttse of radioisotopes, other than that resul-ting fn pdblishaole research, is leas in the aublic interest than ' research w e and since it benefits the user over his competitors and over all others, ne recommend that distribution of radioieotopes to an bdtxstry o r commercial concern for non-wbllshable work be Unit& to those materials of which there is a 9urpIua affer all research needs are filled and further arranged so aa t o suuply all cammting org:a?ibenefit the nublic welfare and since it is the stated sfn! of t h b distribution program to a i d and assist such w e and amllcation, we recommend tbat the distribution o f related and necessary information which rpill farther this ah9 such as radiochemical techniques, fnstrumentation and health 6rotectfon measarea, be regarded as an integral pert of the distribution nrogran, and that this be uurd by all mane avBflable, including consultation with and the tra-g of scientific personnel varticipating in the uae of radiolsotones,

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(6) Shce there are iiamds t o the health oc6 &ety af individuals and vidpals wha can satisfy reaaom5le mqdrments as to howledge and ~ taIp ~ a &for circrrmventing these hazards and that such df s tri but fo a be made only through end orith the knowldge of the instftution of which the recipient is a member, said is*it~StLorz haw accepted a32 morel and legal reemxslbility relating toti uae end di.msa1 a i th4.mated by the recipient, and that cecoadary distrlbution by the reeipfent of amounts above those explicitly a-ed be forbidden, (7)bca the legal resnonsibilitles relatfng toths use of any e m - .- iiF5B1ztBL matadal in huums are even more stringent than those r s l a t h g 40 o*her we, re recorned that dfctrib*ltioa of rr dio i eot ma for me . in humans, whether experb.enta1, diqnoetlc, theramtic or rhatsper, be -de o n 3 after as+~otaZby cm!ptent medical advisors and only to doutms of medicine associated with rec3gnlzod medical institutions, relative co1ppBtence of rarallel investigators, the release of information reht3ng t o prior mrk on the mzne Fhanena done on the Project, (9) Since priorities may k v e to be assessed, we recommend; (a) that,'the orrinctplu of maximum benefit, In the way of scientific (b) that, t o fbrthcr the above nrincido, flmdamontal research &I the basic physicel 8*7d lffe sciances bo Gv6n meference over all other uses, including the applied scienc3s of nediclne and engbeering; . resalt, witb ndnimum material bo edopt&; (c) that, ti0 encoumge the development OL' the mderstahdlng of, the ' developent o f cethods for, and tha &lit? t o use, radiolso'iones, a certain minima amount of each available radlofsotoue be made mata rial for those ends, ax& xWhur, that this amount be *the minh un respsm to any qun!.ified :et; (d) that needs for continuing supnU8s of materia2 f o r extended research moblams be recognized whore possible; (e). tkut, when circumstances of su~n?,ym0k0 necessary a choice amdng basis Df abillt,y.to me the ui it ciel most efzSc2llv~ly, this to be judged by ccmw;snt az.6 l a r ~ a r 3 h Irnatbaritles, with the results of such judgemat bekg comunicatd %oa Interested nertiee, phenom3na, the choice be made on the

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To affect the above policy and t o aolloft widespread autmort and understsndfng of it, the foluoning organlzatiorr is recommended. on.mattcrrs of broad mlicy (see Part I) and t o gain tor the District a general tzndestanding and aaceptance by the pcrblle a i the adopted poliderr. It8 members should be representative of the aetrenzZ major divisions of pure and amlied science that are interested in radioisotopes rather than'& mecffic working groups, laboratories or should likewiee be sought, This committee is t o advise the Manhattan Engineer District We recommend thet the President of the National Academy of ' Science be requested t o nominate for Ylanhaftan Engineer Diatrict appointment euch a committee, Thfe Board is the agency witm the Manhattan Engineer District ~hichumduces and/or orepares radioactive materials for ehioment In response to accepted a pli cation e. It will receive the specific requests for radioactive materiale and will specffy shirwente in accordance with these. the uroductian mechanisms and Sac iUt iea and ofthe states and qu&tft%ee fn which rsdioisotooea can be produced and sbiuped, a s well as of the details Involved in their handllng and useo This Board must be In a wsition t o balance SMnlfr and demand and d e r 0 moductioa and developnent. We reconmend that the Radioiktoue Committee of Clinton appointed ae the Allocation Board, Its members wrst have detailed howledge of

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This %pour,e xists miF.cimlly t o aid the Allocation Bo& in the assessscent or’ mi or it is s and zwsnonsibflities acd tbus t o ensure eq xi table err.d safe di3triSufion of Irateriala. advise the ;Palicy Cornittee if so requested. This group should be diviied b t o aevsral panels, one for each of the sciBJ;tific fields in which radioisotopes cire used. Each m e 1 should be mmosed of severad active workers in the field mresented, from men w.30 are class to the laborutor3e; cllnic or nlant, The nrbciool criteria to be am lied fn selecting a =ember of my Panel are his ability, lcmkledge and acqusbitanceshiD In his field necesscz-ry to judge the anolication of a ce-worker. reqtxkes kno~ledgsby csck Ember of bcth the men and the iethods involved in his specific fiald of work. Organic and Physical), Siology (Biochemistry and its subdivisions ’ of Phanracglogy, Plant Ilutrition, etc,, Physiology, Eicrobiology, Rudiobiology, etc.), t?edicine (all menbers to be Doctors of Miedicfne It my also Snecific &els recomended are Physics, Chemistry (Iriorganfc, 7%recommend tht t h e Pclicy Committee nominate for b(anhatt.& kgineer Cistrict anmir:ment Advisory Panels a s specified above.

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?ublic emnouncement of the general ulau of rrrocedure by t h e MRnhnttan Engfneer District should be made. T h i s alan should Include the following: I. The appokrtment of the Poliuy Carr an it tee by the aaanhattan' aith a statement of tentative policy, 3, The apbofntment of the Allocation Board by t h e Manhattan -4. ' A &'aternart by the Polidy C kitts e to each member of the Mvisorp.Panril and of all other nrobably interested indi- 1 viduals &d organizations, both inside &d outside the a, To submit a statement of views and critiques of t h e proposed ulan ar.d wlicy t o the Pollcy Committee, b. To m e e t with members of the Policy Committee for the purpose o f shaping and explaining the Policy. C. TO do both the above,, The drawhg up of the final statement o f policy and plan by t h e Policy Committee, acceptance of this by the Ranhattan Engineer District, and distribution of Ma, with a request for all p~oposcdapplicants t o cammMicate their needs for radioactive material t o the Executive Secretary o f the U oca tim Board, in the following manner: a. Publication in e cie rti fic journals of aide distribution. b. Direct form letter t o all known interested p&tics,

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s, Ee tailed staterrent 03 dlnn, nolicy and or p niza tio i xl. d list of available CF w t & ti ally available radioitotmes [ t o be suk it ted by the Allocation Soard). eo Cooies of the at?r\limtion fonc (see below). d. 'A stategent that materials will not beg hi as d fox 1-2 Eonths ts e i b i for the recelnt and organizatica 'I. of relative needs, The Executive Secretary w i l l turn aver 'tho initial letters of ren,uest.to the Allocation 3 c c d ea evideaco o r indication e I, Gualified amlicatfons will be honored by the rtliocation . Board without reference to the Advisory ?anel if the Raterial * is ovaihble and the appifcation is ,ouch that no such reference the Executive Secretary wiU send %%e necessary infomation to mlected mmbers of the Advisory Panel who w i l l return it t o l?h with their ccments axxi recmmdations, The Allocation B o d .iiill endeavor t o follow these reconmndations. Secretary will kseo all interested narths informed on the nrogrcus and xsault of such negotiations. Tien relative mimities or references are necessarp, 2, Shimenfs wili be ~ a d edirectly from the moducing laboratory [ Chton Laboratories) t o the iaetltutfon of nbich the asnlicant . . is a zmber, xsrked to the attention ofthe ev1icen.t. UFect corresmnder,ce betneen the Executive Secretar; and the

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A standard a-nlicaticn form shuld be Tcovided reqr1estiy.a; answer3 t o the Coflcaing (either directly or by refercnce tt m nroblms to be attacked and time interval during w h i c h tine of use; 4. Facilities and e.xmr:l.ince a t hand for converting su?r\lied' fom. t o form hdicated in (3), Fr' it differs from t h e , measurement and for healtb arotection; Metbod of disposal of large amounts o r of long-lived Need for continuing sumly In the.solution of the m b l m at hand, and thing of .such; Describtion of monosed mnblen and i t a genesis, including mothods t o be wed and tyc3 of solution >sought; Eenondence of =o.cx>se6 mljblem &n radioisotone, ir: amount devious exDerience with radioisotone material or other sources of combarable nalme; Pcssfble. . alternate sourcm of material requested, ni+,h discussion; Possibility of reclamstfan and return, 1. Si&&x.re of off icc of Lnstitdion t o the effect that the institution ssmes fdl :?espor?sibility for handling after receirrt and for return of containers, 2, .Signature of apnlicont stctfng his willingness t o & i d e by decisicn of Allozation and Adviaor: Boards and t o adhere t o general mllcies of distribution, incliadini gutrantee of no secondary dfstrilxtlon ' t ~ o te m licit ly autborfzcd by the ?oiicy Cornittee,

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We submit the following lists of individuals from nhich - nominations t o these committees could be mads. a d (2), the liats are exemplary rather than comnlete and may euslly be extended, R0UlW?le nta Anwlied Science: Cob. Thomas, 2. Jeffries, E,V, Ihrrahree, - (2) AdAsors Panels (in addition to any Usted above; a large number desired): . MCS:W.D. Fowler, LOW. Alvarez; A. Lengsdorf, Jro, io Z h n y J.Mo Cork, LE.. Snell, E.0. plollan, Marinellip

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Dr. Frank B. Jewett 25 February 1946. - and spec id ty, than that of the mall panol8, an edditional group can be eelacted pertinent repreuentation is desired. rentaffyes f o r each panel. nmtter. those not appointed t o the Policy Committee or t o Adviaory Panela could They oould be ipfonned of allooation policy and ooneultsd when It is suggested thrt you nominate tan repreFollowing your suggestion ata recent meeting on this The responribility of the National doade~ptof Sciences i 8 understood - - t o extend en+ t e assistance by nomination8 in the setting up of boarCs and encourage their hrnrrtioning. loon-poject mdmbers a r e expeoted t o solve without salary, but rehbursemsnt f o r *ravel sxpenses concerned with meetings will be help realize more fully the behefits of isotopio applioations. 1%w l l l be the responsibility of thie offioe to appoint thorn and t o ..-.. . We trust that a satisfactory arrangement v i 1 3 800n be functioning t or - Your i ate rest - and so doe in this matter. is greatly appreciated. - Very truly yours, Major General, USA

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Better titled.'The Manhattan hgfneer D Li ict Advisory Board on Unless this Board is advfsarlr to hfi;lo

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Dr. Rank B. Jswett 25 February 1946, To obtain more widely distributed repreeentation, both as t o geography and specislty, than that o f the small panels, an edditional group can be selected pertinent representation is desired, .It is8UggO6ted that you nominate ten reprorentatiper for eauh panel. matter, those not appointed t o the Policy Committee or to Advisory Pqr~elscould. some as oonsultaatr. They oould be informed o f allooation policy and consulted when Following your suggestion eta recent meeting on this The responsibili* of the National hadew o f Sciences is understood - t o extend oaLytc+ essistarzce by nominatioxu in a e setting up of boards and encourage their htrrationing. 19on-poject members are sxpeoted t o some without salary, but reimbursement for *ravel expenses conueraed with meetings w i l l be assumed by the Distriot. help realize &we M ly the behefits of isotOpio applications. and serrioe in this nmtter'ir greatly appreciated. It will …

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