Radiation effects on pig skin. Exposure to different densities of ionization.

The effects on pig skin from radiations producing different densities of ionization have been determined. For the qualities of radiation employed, erythema was produced at a dose range from 1,240 to 3,440 rads and ulceration at 1,250 to 5,000 rads. In no instance did a radiation-induced neoplasm develop. In determining dose response, two of the most important physical parameters, associated with time of appearance and extent of lesions, were found to be the size of the area irradiated and the density of ionization of the radiations used. These data, on normal tissue tolerance, should be a value in future programs initiated in experimental radiation therapy of both animal and human neoplasia utilizing protons, alpha particles, and carbon ions.