Rongelapese was discovered at this examination.
This case
of leukemia occurred well beyond the peak incidence expected
as the result of radiation exposure but radiation cannot be
dismissed as the causative agent.
In my opinion, the discovery of this disease in an exposed person on Rongelap is
an extremely disturbing event at this late date following
the acute radiation exposure. One of the most difficult

problems at the moment is determining the effect of continued
low dose irradiation of a given population.

It is prudent

to assume that there is no level below which some damage may

be produced.
Although I am not able to conclude with certainty that this case of leukemia resulted from radiation,

it would appear that this is the case.
Certainly it demands
the continued annual examination of all exposed Marshallese

for

the

forseeable future.

CLtltoe.

William S.

Submitted:

203

nt_—

Cole,

October 18,

1972

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