A methodology for determining optimal durations for the use of contaminated crops as fodder following a nuclear accident using a dynamic food-chain model

A methodology for determining optimal durations for the use of contaminated crops as fodder was designed based on cost-benefit analysis. Illustrative results of the application of this methodology to pigs are presented for th e hypothetical deposition of radionuclides on August 15 when a number of cr ops are fully developed in Korean agricultural conditions. For investigatin g the appropriateness of the use of contaminated crops as fodder, the net b enefit from this action was compared with the imposition of a ban on human consumption of contaminated crops without alternative use. The time-depende nt radionuclide concentrations in crops and pork after the deposition event were predicted from a dynamic food-chain model DYNACON. The net benefit fr om the actions was quantitatively evaluated in terms of cost equivalent of the doses incurred or averted and the monetary costs needed to implement th e action. The optimal duration for the use of contaminated crops as fodder depended on a number of factors such as radionuclide, variety of crops fed as fodder and duration of the action. Such action was more cost effective f or Cs-137 deposition than for Sr-90 or I-131 deposition. The use of contami nated crops as fodder can be an effective response to a public reluctance t o consume contaminated crops. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights res erved.