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Thursday, October 16, 1986 / University Daily Kansan
Prof says nuclear fallout may threaten food chain
By CRAIG HERRMANN
Staff writer
The Chernobyl nuclear plant accident has raised serious questions about the long-term effects of radioactive emissions on the food chain, a KU professor said yesterday.
John O'Brien, professor of systematics and ecology, said that although the immediate problems in the Soviet Union caused by the Chernobyl accident seemed to be under control, people should be aware that dangers might still exist.
"If radioactive fallout finds its way into the food chain, human life could eventually be threatened." he said.
the University.
O'Brien spoke as part of the University
Forum lecture series sponsored by Ecumenical
Christian Ministries. 1204 Oread Ave.
O'Brien has written several articles on the environmental effects of nuclear radiation and fallout, and he teaches a course on the possible effects of a nuclear war on the environment.
He said radiation could enter the food chain at many stages, the first being the soil.
"After a nuclear accident, such as the one at Chernobyl, radioactive particles can settle out of the atmosphere and contaminate the soil," O'Brien said.
He said the radiation could be drawn from the soil by plants. If cattle feed on infected plants, he said, any meat or milk they produce will also
be contaminated.
Milk is one of the most dangerous foods to consume after a nuclear accident because it can become contaminated within hours after initial contact with radiation, he said.
contact with a banister. "If humans consume contaminated foods, the radioactive particles could be distributed throughout the body," O'Brien said.
throughout the body. For radioactive particles to enter the food chain, O'Brien said, they must be soluble in water and easily incorporated into plant and animal tissue. He said that only three isotopes emitted during a fission reaction fit the requirements: Strontium 90, Iodine 131 and Cesium 137.
Cesium 137, the longest-lived of the three radioactive isotopes, affects the human liver, kidneys and thyroid glands, O'Brien said. Strontium 90 and lodine 131 can also affect these organs.
One of the most evident effects of the May Chernobyl accident, O'Brien said, was the contamination of reindeer meat, the main source of food for residents of the northern Ukraine, or Laplands.
"Radioactive fallout in the Laplands contaminated much of the lichen and moss in the Ukraine, the main source of food of reindeer," he said. "When the reindeer became contaminated, Laplanders lost a large part of their diets and economy."
Bar overcrowding fine draws mixed reactions
Tavern owners had mixed reactions yesterday to the maximum $2,500 fine for overcrowding of bars, set by the Lawrence City Commission on Tuesday night.
Bv IOHN BENNER
Staff writer
The new ordinance will become law after it is published, which could be as soon as today. The previous maximum fine for the offense was $200.
Harrison "Ace" Johnson, owner of the Sanctuary, 1401 W. 7th St., called the ordinance "absolutely ridiculous."
Ken Wallace, owner of the Jayhawk Cafe. 1340 Ohio St., said the move was not a surprise to him.
"I was at the meeting last week when the commission first considered increasing the fine." Wallace said. "At that time they were talking about a fine as high as $2,500."
City law determines overcrowding by considering the number of exits from the building, the total square footage of the building and the number and configuration of furnishings in the building.
Wallace said he was not opposed to levying the maximum fine against repeat offenders but was upset that the wording of the ordinance made it possible for a first-
"I would also like to see the fines stopped, like those for many other offenses," said Wallace. "For instance, fines against drunk drivers are stifter after a first offense."
time offender to be fined $2,500.
"I think the fine as it is stands is semi-unconstitutional. It leaves the law-making up to the judge, when the commission should be writing the laws."
Johnson said businesses affected by the change should have been notified. He said he would seek legal action to appeal the ordinance.
"I think the city has overstepped its bounds," said Johnson. "I don't think they have used good judgement or common sense."
Mike Wildden, assistant city manager,
said the city had given ample notice to
the public of both meetings and had set a fine
that was allowed under state law.
"I don't see what legal action a business would want to take at this point," Wildgen said. "The ordinance doesn't affect you until you've convicted."
Wallace was present at last week's commission meeting and spoke on behalf of several Lawrence bar owners. No bar owners spoke at Tuesday's meeting.
On campus
Betsy Kuznesof, associate professor of history, will present "Slide Presentations on South America Today" at noon today in 109 Lippincott Hall.
The KU Soccer Club will practice at 5:30 p.m. today at Shenk Complex, 23rd and Iowa streets.
The KU Women's Soccer Club will practice at 5:45 p.m. today at Shenk Complex, 23rd and Iowa streets.
The Student Union Activities Champion's Club will meet at 7 p.m. today in the Trail Room of the Kansas Union.
The KU Chapter of the National Organization for Women will meet at 7:30 p.m. today in the Walnut Room of the Kansas Union.
Gay and Lesbian Services of Kansas will have an open support group at 7:30 p.m. today at the Community Peace House, 13th and Kentucky streets.
■ Kouichi Sashiwaya, chief instrutor of the Ki-Society, will demonstrate Ki-Aikido at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow in 102 Robinson Center.
The St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center will sponsor a Friday night retreat at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the center, 1631 Crescent Road.
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The Boy Who Could Fly
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Kansas Union Ballroom 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome.
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Meet Cartoonist Matt Groening
who will be signing copies of his books Love Is Hell and Work Is Hell
WORK IS HELL
A CAR+OON BOOK BY MATT GROENING
Matt Groening
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For anyone looking to laugh their way to the top of the corporate ladder or at the very least, to
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