410392
Meeting at DBM,
AEC
10 July 1958
Robert Conard, Brookhaven,
Charles Dunham, DBM
Stanton Cohn, Brookhaven
John Wolfe, DBM
Gordon Dunning, DBM
George Anton,
Chairman
"
tt
David Bruner,
A. H. Seymour,
Ed Held,
U of W.
Dr. Conard set forth the evaluation of hazard to the natives as
the primary immediate result needed from the Rongelap surveys.
In the original decision to return the Rongelapese to Rongelap
Atoll there had been no intimation that part of the population would reside at Eniaetok.
Conaxd and Held indicated that collections had been made at
Eniaetok and Rongelap to provide data for the assessment of the hazard
and that such studies would be continued.
The best methods of evaluating levels of various radioisotopes in
food were discussed in light of the large amount of variance between in-
dividual samples.
for one individual
Held suggested that "ghost rations" - daily rations
- be obtained.
Conard said he had one such sample.
Dunham recommended that Seymourcontact Hollister and arrange for
samples to be analyzed. Recognizing the difficulties in obtaining the
natives‘ cooperation, exploration of the idea of collecting more such
meals seemed desirable.
Conard suggested use of whole body counter in the field to determine levels in food. Held concurred and suggested the use of large
samples (100 lbs where available - coconuts) for this purpose with
aliquots of thesame material being taken for laboratory analyses.
Dunning indicated that there is need for data on average values and that
such pooled samples might serve this purpose.
Conard introduced the concept that the relationships of the people
to their environment could be best evaluated by studies of specific isotopes. To assure comparable data Conard suggested that a central
laboratory be designated for radiochemical analyses. Held pointed out
the desirability of having the same group responsible for the collection