Protracted radiation-stressed primate performance.

An experimental investigation has been made of the effects of nuclear radiation on the behavior of four trained primates (rhesus monkeys) proficient in control of the primate equilibrium platform during a hypothetical 72-h aircraft mission. The radiation exposure was assumed to result from a radioactive cloud penetration at the start of the mission, with subsequent low dose rate exposure resulting from radioactive debris in and on the aircraft. Minor performance changes were detected in three of four subjects; all experienced emesis.