Questions on health in the event of atomic attack

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Bill Leonard talks to Herman E. Hillebeau (?), Commissioner of Health for the state of New York, about listeners' concerns about health in the event of an atomic attack: a farmer wonders how long the ground will be contaminated after an attack (there is no concern), signs of radiation sickness, measuring radiation in the air, recommendations for foods to be stored in shelters, whether or not to take a bath after an air burst atomic attack, concerns over how much money the city is spending on medical supplies.

Bill Leonard then talks to Dr. John F. Mahoney, Commissioner of Health for New York City, who answers questions concerning New York City specifically: will contamination affect canned foods, caring for the elderly after an atomic explosion, arrangements for transportation of food, the possibility of women going in to labor after the bomb, and medical supply preparations.

Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection

WNYC archives id: 71804
Municipal archives id: LT1810