Mr. Miller-Jones introduces this program on the dangers of radioactive fallout, the third in a series of exchanges between Baltimore, Maryland's station WAAM and Great Britain's BBC. Dr. Kruse explains that current incineration of radioactive waste could be detrimental to people's health if safe gas and ash levels are exceeded. Dr. Geyer and Mr. Talboys discuss the effectiveness of laundering of radium-tainted clothing. To improve removal of radioactive materials from clothing, combinations of several variables must be considered: isotopes, fabrics (fiber, weave, treatment), detergents, concentrations, water temperatures, agitation degree, and time. Dr. Renn then examines the problems of releasing radioactive waste into sewage treatment plants. Some waste, such as radiophosphorous, is easily absorbed by bacteria in the system; others could be captured by experimental trickling filters or the aerated sludge process, but the sludge must then be disposed.

Telegrams from educators and scholars mark the third anniversary of the Johns Hopkins Science Review. Dr. Abel Wolman summarizes the history of methods of acquiring pure water and the science of sanitary engineering. Chlorine was discovered to be a reliable and practical chemical to use to kill water-borne bacteria. Dr. Wolman also shows a film of microscopic organisms and silt in water and discusses the decline of typhoid fever. Dr. Wolman and his colleagues use both animated films and models of a water filtration plant and a sewage treatment plant to explain the water purification processes.

Dr. John C. Geyer and Dr. Charles E. Renn, professors of sanitary engineering at the Johns Hopkins University, discuss the municipal and industrial demands on water. Dr. Geyer explains how a city water meter works and shows the resulting graphs that predict the time of greatest water use. Dr. Renn displays examples of common products and tells how much water is required to manufacture each. He also discusses rainwater, wells, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs as sources of water and how river water can be used, treated, and returned. A film clip documents the formation of a river. Using a diagram, Dr. Geyer explains municipal water purification and waste treatment processes. Dr. Renn discusses industrial waste disposal and how it can cause stream pollution unless treated by a waste control plant, such as that of American Cyanamid Co., in New Jersey. Dr. Geyer notes the growing conflict in the American southwest over water use between industry and agriculture. Dr. Renn concludes that increasing water demands require either stopping growth or building more dams and evaluating priorities for use, such as recent multiple use (recreation, power, water control) projects of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).