August 5, 1957
K. ®, Fields,boneral Manager
Cc. Lé Dunhan, M D.,
Director
Division of Biology and Mes“ine
RADIATION LEVELS ON xONGELAP ISLAND
-?
In our StaffPaper AEC 125/30, dated February 6, 1957 concerning
the return of the Rongelapese to their home island, we predicted
" - - It is difficult to extrapolate precisely far into the future,
but the data suggest that the gamma doses on Rongelap Island would
not greatly exceed (if at all) 0.5 roentgens for the first year of
reoccupancy, with lesser doses in subsequent years. - - -"
On June 25, 1957, just prior to the actual return of the Rongelapese,
a radiological survey was made of the gamma levels on Rongelap Island.
These data were attached in the form of a memorandum with accompanying maps from Mr, Ernest Wynkoop to Dr. Gordon M. Dunning. You will
note that the average gamma dose rate on the Island on June 25, 1957
was about 0.03 millircentgens per hour (0,26 roentgens per year).
You may wish to tranamit this information to Dr. Libby, since he
has manifested keen interest in these matters.
Enclosures: (7)
1. Memo to Gordon M. Dunning, DBM fr Ernest Wynkoop,
Chf, Enivetok Br., Test Div., EPG, dtd 6/27/57
RSetee:
subj:
OFFICE »
SURNAME b>
Porm AEC-318 (Rev. 9-53)
ie
Gamma Radiological Survey of Rongelap and
Aneaetok Islands
U.S. SOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
16—62761-3