Report discussing the problem of predicting dose rates and of estimating the effectiveness of shielding from radiations resulting from nuclear explosions. A number of calculations and supporting experiments regarding the penetration and diffusion of gamma rays, neutrons, and electrons through air and bulk materials are summarized. Indications are given of gaps in such input information. A selection of 485 references from the unclassified literature is presented, of which 388 are cataloged as to source geometry and energy, absorber material and configuration, type of data presented, and method of calculation or experimental technique. These cataloged references include radiation field studies ranging from the point-source infinite-medium situation up through such complicated geometries as foxholes, shelters, and conventional structures. The other references are of a general or review nature or contain input spectral data.