Sugar as an emergency populace dosimeter for radiation accidents.

Ordinary sugar can be used as an emergency dosimeter for any person exposed to a nuclear or radiation accident. The number of free radicals in sugar created by radiation does not decrease at room temperature for two months after irradiation and is not changed by thermal treatment for about 18 h at even 55 degrees C. A 600 mg granulated sugar sample can detect about 0.05 Gy (5 rad) as the minimum detectable absorbed dose using electron spin resonance equipment. If sugar is present at the time of a radiation or nuclear accident, the absorbed dose can be evaluated from the sugar and will be useful for both the medical treatment and health effects of the exposed persons.