JANUARY—JUNE 1954
These burns are now almost completely
healed. Hair from the heads of about 89 of these had fallen out in
patches. However, normal hair regrowth is taking place. Urinalysis
tests for radioactivity indicated that the exposed persons had inhaled
or ingested small amounts of fission products: Preliminary data show
that in no case did the body burdenforthe various radioactive isotopes
exceed the permissible limits.
7
Every possible effort was made to provide for the immediate‘comfort
and well-being of the Marshallese at Kwajalein. Routine sick call
and medication, physical examinations, : and serial blood counts were
continued throughout their stay. The medical observations to date
indicate that there is no reason to expect any permanentafter effects
on the general health of these people. The residents of Utirik have
returned to their homes.
The Rongelap residents were moved to
ret
on the scalp or the neck.
| Mi = hy
52
Majuro Atoll for temporary occupation of dwellings built for them. .
These are of a new and improved type, better adapted to the comfort *
and the needs of the people than the usual type of island houses. It
is expected that occupation of Majuro will be for approximately 6
months to a year, after whichthe natives can be reestablished on their
original homesites in their new-type homes which will be moved from
Majuro. During their temporary occupation, they are being furnished
with livestock, provisions, and other supplies in order to maintain
living standards at Jeast equivalent to those prior to their initial
evacuation from Rongelap.
Japanese Vessel Exposed to Fall-out
The Japanese fishing vessel, Fukuryu Maru, was reported by its
ikem EHaNPI Or Lt ta
captain as being located at approximately 50 miles northwest of
Rongelap Island (11° 534’ North Jatitude and 166° 35x’ East longitude) at the time offall-out in that area. Following return of the ship
to Japan on March 14, a report by the Japanese authorities stated
‘the crew members were ill and showed skin burns from radiation.
Japanese physicians gave the crew members medical treatment.
Medical assistance was offered the Japanese by the United States
through the American Embassy at Tokyo. The Japanese have not
yet called for such assistance.
However, they did request United
States aid in making chemical analyses of some urine samples. These
were performed at Commission laboratories. The injured men are
reported by the Japanese physicians to be improving satisfactorily.
It is regretted that the crewmen of the Fukuryu Maru were injured
as the result of being exposed to radiation from the first detonation of
the recently concluded series. The welfare of the patients will continue
to be of interest to the United States, and the negotiations for settle-