Human Health Effects from Energy Generation ; . Medical Studies of the People of the Marshall Project Title: Islands Accidentally Exposed to Fallout GK-01-02-01-l]-/a) if. &xpected Results in FY 1979: In view of the serious late effects of fallout exposure, continued medical surveillance of the exposed populations is mandatory. Special examinations for the thyroid abnormalities, as well as for neoplasia of other organs and tissues, and other late effects must be continued. Other studies that will be pursued include: A. Thyroid Control Study: It is hoped that DOE funds will be approved for carrying out thyroid surgery in the United States on unexposed Rongelap and Utirik people in the extended control study where such surgery is indicated. ° B. Re-evaluation of dosimetry of the Utirik people, including thyroid C. Study of the nature and treatment of diabetes in the Marshallese. D. Intestinal parasite study in the Rongelap people and the treatment doses. program with possible expansion of the treatment program to other atolls. E. Studies with Dr. Raymond Popp (Oak Ridge) for frequency of isoleucine. substitution in hemoglobin of Marshallese blood as an index of somatic muta~ tions associated with radiation, exposure and aging. F. Studies of polymorphism and rare protein variants in the blood cells from children of exposed and unexposed parents. Dr. James Neal at the University of Michigan has expanded his battery of tests for these variants and has agreed to reactivate these studies in Marshallese children. G. An expansion of the educational program for the Marshallese living on the contaminated islands of the northern Marshalls. Dr. Naidu has agreed to visit Utirik for a month, and lectures at the time of the visits by the medical team are planned. A booklet on radiation and its effects is planned. This program is carried out in collaboration with the Safety and Environmental Protection Division at BNL. H. Evaluation of body burdens of radionuclides in the people living in the northern Marshall atolls will be done jointly with Safety and Environmental Protection Division of this Laboratory who have recently been assigned the monitoring responsibilities. 18. Expected Results in FY 1980; Continuation of the medical surveys of the Marshallese is anticipated on an indefinite basis. Emphasis will be placed on examinations for thyroid abnormalities, cancer, hematologic disorders, and other possible effects of radiation exposure. Evaluation of internal body burdens of radionuclides in (See Continuation Sheet) Gx-151