1+
low excretors cither heterozygous or homozygous
for the dominant allele. Striking differences in the
incidence of high excretors in various populations
have been demonstrated, and it appears thatthis
genetic polymorphism may be of considerable
value in anthropo-genetic investigations.*' --
As a part of the study of the genetic relation-
ships and origins of various Pacific peoples, this report extends observations on BAIB excretion to
the Micronesians inhabiting the Marshall Islands.
The fact that same of the Micronesians were ex-
posed to considerable radiation in 1954 is of
special interest here, since it is known that radia-
tion exposure can, temporarily at least, increase
BAIE excretion,’' and studies on the Marshailese
population may elucidate possible long-term ef-
fects.
Urine samples from 65 exposed and E19 unexposed people (75.7% of the population of the village} were collected in plastic bottles containing
thymol preservanve. The sexes were equally represented, and the ages~aried from 3 to > 70 years.
In some cases several members of the same family
were included, and some kinships suitable for
genetic analysis were available. Eighteen samples
collected on Utirik were also studied. Urines were
kept at 4#°C and shippedin refrigerated containers
to Seattle for analysis. These studies were carried
aut by one of us (B.S. Blumberg) and Dr. S.A.
Gartler of the Department of Medicine, School of
Medicine, University of Washington. Studies were
completed 2 to 3 weeks after collection of the specimens. Determinations of BAIB were carried out
by high voltage electrophoresis on paper,** and
creatinine was determined by the alkaline picrate
method.
Radionuclide Body Burden Evaivation
The methods used in the radionuclide body
burden evaluation are described later in a sepa-
rate section.
1960 Survey
BACKGROUND MATERIAL
The 1960 survey was reduced in size and scope
and limited to a very brief examination ofthe exposed people only. Several facturs brought about
this change. The people had recovered to the extent that certain special examinations previously
carried out every year need be done only once
every two to three years. [In addition. as pointed
out before, the Trust Territory officials were concerned about the slowness of economic recovery of
the Rongelapese and felt chat the numerousvisiting scientific teams, particularly those with large
ships and crews, were pardy responsible for the
unrest of the people and therefore requested that
the size of the surveys be kept to a mintmum. It
was decided to defer the gamma spectrographic
analysis unul 1961. The Trust Territory officials
agreed to greater participation of their medical
personnel in future surveys and to the use of one
of their cargo ships (Figure 9), which routinely
made the roundsof the islands fur gathering copra, for carrying out the survey at Rongelap. Accordingly, for the 1960 survey the team consisted
of only one physician and one technician from
Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the remainder of the medical group, arranged by the
Trust Territory, included its Director of Public
Health, iwo Marshallese medical officers, and two
Micronesian laboratory technicians. The Director
of Dental Services and one of his dental officers
also accompanied the team to carry oul treatment
of the people. The District Administrator of the
Marshall Islands accompanied the team in order
to consult with the people on their agricuitural
program. *
Asin the previous year, several of the exposed
people now living at Kwajalein and Mayurg Atolls
were examined at these atolls prior to the Rongelap visit.
PROCEDURES
‘As in previous surveys, examinations were
carried out in the dispensary and the schoolhouse
in Rongelap village. Interval medical histories and
complete physical examinations were carried out
“Again in 1960, when the team arrived at Rongelap, the magstrate requested a meeting with the people. The line of questions
and discussion was about the same as thar ceported for the previous year. Resistance toward the examinaiions was expressed by
only one or two of the people. Objections were again raised
against the ban on eaung coconul crabs, «hich selectively concentrate Sr" to such an extent that their consumpuion had to be
prohibited (Figure 4). The peopie were assured that these crabs
were being repeatedly examined and that, when 1 was safe to
eal them, immediate nouficauun would be given. Fish powoning
apparently had beenless of a problem during the past year since
unly one case had been noted, and the subject was not brought
up again Following this meeung, (ooperanon by the peaple in
the examinations was almost complete