Greenhouse to Stanley
-~2-
June 7, 1977
At Rongelap, we completed our comprehensive external radiation
exposure rate survey, which was begun in October 1976, but was
hampered at that time because of transportation problems. The wind
generator/air monitoring station siting was discussed at a village
meeting where the purpose for the planned installation was presented.
We offeredour siting preferences, but the people wished to reserve
decision on the exact site, and to let us know of their choice by
mail after further deliberation.
The village meetings are always
open forums for discussion of radiation-related concerns, and it
was apparent that Jan Naidu's visit earlier this year had been very
effective in allaying many of their fears and enhancing their under-
standing of radiation protection standards and practices.
A continu-
ing concern, however, is the ban on the use of the northern islands - '
mtr
of Rongelap atoll, and the desire for compensation for denial of
their use.
The first of two air sampling stations was installed in the old
camp area at Bikini.
It is powered five to six hours a day by the
local diesel generator which, unfortunately, developed mechanical
problems before our departure, We are prepared to install a third
wind generator at Bikini if access to reliable A.C. power threatens
to become a continuing problem; however, the difficulty appeared to
be minor (replacement of brushes), so we are still planning on the
use of the Bikini diesel generator to power both air sampling stations.
The village meeting on our last day at Bikini illustrated a continuing problem which warrants some serious thought about the conduct
of all ERDA programs in the Marshalls. That is the worry and anxiety
which the people experience on hearing (often conflicting) comments
about radiation-related problems on their islands.
Off-handed comments
about restrictions on certain food items, or whole body counting
results, or radiation levels in the environment are often interpreted
by the people as portending imminent and dire health consequences.
believe it essential that "unofficial" comments in these areas be
I
avoided, and that official information from ERDA program visitors be
consistent, accurate, and well thought out from the standpoint of
Marshallese interpretation. It is also urgent that some sort of publication in Marshallese be provided at Bikini, Rongelap, and Utirik
which explains basic concepts of radiation and radioactivity, the natural
radiation environment and man-made additions to it, the biological
effects of radiation, radiation risks and basic radiation protection
principles, and finally the radiation protection standards.
The communi-
cations gap is merely aggravated by the language barrier.
Of greater
importance is the fact that the concept of radiation, though quite
familiar to ERDA visitors, is a totally foreign idea to the Marshallese,
who must adopt the English words to even discuss it. I am afraid that
if we do not correct this communications gap and diligently address the
educational needs of the Marshallese on this subject, we will be doing
a grave disservice to them, and jeopardizing the success of ERDA programs
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