In deciding whether to visit ground zero at Trinity Site, the
following information may prove helpful to you.
Radiation levels in the fenced, ground zero area are low. On an
average the levels are only 10 times greater than the region's natural
background radiation. A one-hour visit to the inner fenced area will
result in a whole body exposure of one-half to one milliroentgen.
To put this in perspective, a U.S. adult receives an average exposure
of 90 milliroentgens every year from natural and medical sources. For
instance, the Department of Energy says we receive between 35 and 50
milliroentgens every year from the sun and from 20 to 35
milliroentgens every year from our food. Living in a brick house adds
50 milliroentgens of exposure every year compared to living in a frame
house. Finally, flying coast to coast in a jet airliner gives an
exposure of between three and five milliroentgens on each trip.
Although radiation levels are low, some feel any extra exposure should
be avoided. The decision is yours. It should be noted that small
children and pregnant women are potentially more at risk than the rest
of the population and are generally considered groups who should only
receive exposure in conjunction with medical diagnosis and treatment.
Again, the choice is yours.
At ground zero, Trinitite, the green, glassy substance found in the
area, is still radioactive and must not be picked up.
Typical radiation exposures for Americans
Per The National Council on Radiation Protection