TASK TITLE BUDGET AND REPORTING CODE Marshall Islands Radiolo~ical Safety Program CONTRACTOR NAME Associated Universities, Inc. GK-01-01-08-4 (600003) BIN NLMBER CODE ENL 19C. DATE PREPARED 04/02/79 TASK NO. 1 REv. No. o Purpose. This program is operated to provide continuously updated data on ionizing radiation doses and dose commitments received by the residents of islands in the Northern Marshalls which have been contaminated by U.S. atmospheric nuclear tests. These data will be used to develop predictive dose modelling, and to provide a basis for remedial acticns when necessary. 19d. Background. This work was begun in 1974 to provide radiation safety related information to the A.E.C. concerning the residents of Bikini, Rongelap, and Utirik Atolls, and the inpending return of the Enewetak people. 19e. Approach. Field trips to the Marshall Islands will be conducted two to three times per year to do —— in vivo counting and urine collections for radioassay and for environmental sampling. Szmples and —— in vivo counting data will be analyzed primarily at BNL. Results will be incorporated into a computerized data base for manipulation, modelling studies, and incorporation into reports for publication. 19f. Technical Progress. Three field trips were conducted during FY1978 for environmental sampling and personnel monitoring. The Spring 1977 whole body countiiigtrip to Bikini demonstrated dramatic and unexpected increases in 137CS body burdens among the residents. These findings led to a Department of the Interior deci ion to move the Bikini people off their home atoll. The decline in 137CS and 98Sr body burdens among the Bikinians will be monitored during H1979. A detailed diet and living pattern study of residents of the Northern Marshalls is expected to improve understanding of internal and external radiation exposure pathways. This study and estimates of radionuclide excretion rates derived from follow-up personnel monitoring on the Bikinians are expected to improve predictive modelling and reduce the probability of unexpected occurrences such as that at Bikini last year. Emphasis on personnel monitoring is expected to continue through FY1980 and FY1981. Development at ultra-low level analytical capabilities for transuranic radionuclides and the establishment of corroborative bioassay programs in cooperation with other laboratories are expected to clarify and quantitate low level plutonium and americium body burdens among the 3ikinians and Rongelapese. Similar determinations among a Y!rsh,allesecontrol population are expected to demonstrate differences, if any, betk-eenthe residents of contaminated atolls and regional background. . . .. ---)