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-bene®t analysis. Illustrative results of the application of this methodology to pigs are presented for the hypothetical deposition of radionuclides on August 15 when a number of crops are fully developed in Korean agricultural conditions. For investigating the appropriateness of the use of contaminated crops as fodder, the net bene®t from this action was compared with the imposition of a ban on human consumption of con- taminated crops without alternative use. The time-dependent radionuclide concentrations in crops and pork after the deposition event were predicted from a dynamic food-chain model DYNACON. The net bene®t from the actions was quantitatively evaluated in terms of cost equivalent of the doses incurred or averted and the monetary costs needed to implement the 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 e€ective for 137Cs deposition than for 90Sr or 131I deposi- tion. The use of contaminated crops as fodder can be an e€ective response to a public reluc- tance to consume contaminated crops