Radio-active Gases More Deadly Weapon Than Atom Bomb

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26596, 20 October 1947, Page 5

Radio-active Gases More Deadly Weapon Than Atom Bomb

WASHINGTON, Rec, 11.10 p.m. Oct. 18. Radio-active gas attacks on cities in the ev*nt of war are a definite possibility, according to an army research report released to-night. Using radio-active materials, it would be possible to make a lethal gas of finely dispersed atomic fission products which could be deposited on unsuspecting cities, states the report. The attacks, which could be made by aircraft or guided missiles, would affect all except those in deep tunnel shelters equipped with special filters. Military experts believe that this form of attack might be used instead of the atomic bomb because it would destroy people without destroying objects. A city could be taken intact by the attackers after the radio-activity had dissipated, although it was not known how long the dissipation would take. Persons affected by the radio-active gas would not all die immediately—some would suffer a lingering death from radiation sickness. United States military experts are seeking a means of countering radio-active gas attacks. hut so far have found none.