SLIDE 37 Protracted exposure. The protracted exposure of the Marshallese occurred after people returned to the contaminated areas. The people of Utirik and Rongelap returned to a post accident environment involving radioactivity from one detonation. The people of Bikini and Enewetak Atolls returned to a post testing environment involving radioactivity from many tests occurring from 1946 to 1958. In order to assure the people that radiation exposure guidelines were being followed, routine bioassay missions have been undertaken since these people returned to their homes. Additionally, diet and living pattern studies, where scientists lived with the people for extended periods of time were undertaken to understand the internal and external exposure patterns. Information from the bioassay missions and other studies have been reviewed and estimates of radioactivity intake and corresponding dose equivalent have been made (Le84). PROTRACTED EXPOSURE Field Measurements Diet and Living Patterns Body Burdén Histories Intake Estimates Committed Effective Dose Equivalent 40