As the SINE has completed its organizational programs and advanced
work in stimulating the establishment of sound regulatory programs,
its activities have been pointed increasingly in the direction of economic
development and expansion through the utilization of nuclear and
space technology. Approximately 150 specialists in many disciplines
and science activities from throughout the nation have served in the
past 18 months as advisors and consultants to the Southern Interstate
Nuclear Board. Through this technique of pooling talents and re-
sources, the Board has focused outstanding capability on a multi-
plicity of problems and opportunities for our states—individually and
collectively. Studies show that more than 100 state functions are being
affected by the problems and opportunities associated with nuclear and
space technology. You have before you a recently published report on
a study completed under an AEC contract by the Southern Interstate
Nuclear Board on the pasteurization of fruits by radiation. The Ap-
palachian region was the subject of an in-depth study by SINE under
ARA contract, testing the success of applying nuclear and space tech-
nology to conventional industry. We expect that the SINE will be
of increasing service as the Appalachian program expands.

One of the most successful and far-reaching projects of SINE during
the current year has been the commercialization of irradiated wood-
plastic combinations. The outgrowth of this study has been the early
development of various kinds of wood products, including furniture,
sporting goods, flooring, building materials, boat decks, and others,
from this revolutionary new material—a wood-plastic combination of
great strength and hardness which resists warping, shrinkage, scratches,
burns, and abusive treatment while retaining the beauty of wood.

The Southern Interstate Nuclear Board has completed a major study
in the health field for the Atomic Energy Commission by evaluating state
radiological health programs, and more recently by undertaking through
a Public Health Service contract preparation of a special radiation
guide. In addition to the operational projects carried out under various
federal contracts by the Board, the agency has sponsored a number
of information-education efforts, including projects on "nuclear applica-
tion opportunities, " and utilization of space technology. Scheduled for
October is a meeting in Oklahoma, in cooperation with the Council
of State Governments, on radiation interests in the workmen's com-
pensation field. The total attendance at all SINE meetings held on

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