~3le. Would it be correct to say that we can expect many more cases of thyroid problems in the future? At this time, it is impossible to predict whether more thyroid nodules will develop in the Utirik population. It is, therefore, ' of the greatest importance that the regular medical examinations be continued in the future. By having regular medical examinations, Slons of thyroid disease can be detected early and promptly treated. 2. How come the ERDA doctors told us that there was just a little bit of radiation in Utirik and a lot in Roncelap? That is, why are there the same number of malignant thyroid glands in Utirik as there are in Rongelap? The ERDA doctors gave the Utirik people their best estimate of the radiation dose they had received as a result of the March 1, 1954, accident. However, the three cases of thyroid cancer in the Utirik people, compared with four in the Rongelap people, 1s definitely a higher incidence than would be expected based on the estimated dose. The reason for this discrepancy is not known. 3. Why is it that the ERDA doctors do not examine the children of the exposed Utirik group? Examination of children of the exposed Utirik islanders has not been considered necessary because large groups of children of radiation-exposed parents have been studied in Japan. Since these studies, supported by the findings of limited surveillance of Marshallese children of exposed parents, revealed no evidence of adverse health effects attributable to the parents' exposure, it was felt that regular examination of these cnildren for this reason was not warranted. Recent discussions, however, have led to a decision that all Utirik children will be examined in the interest of improving their general level of health care. 4. Why is it that the ERDA doctors give different treatment to the people of Utirik than the peopie of Rongelap? They do not give full examinations to the people of Utirik every year as they do in Rongelap. Why not? In past surveys, the same treatments were given to the exposed people of Rongelap and Utirik. The only difference between these two islands is that physical examinations were also given to a group of non-exposed people on Rongelap. This was done so that the physicians could compare the heaith of exposed and non-exposed people. For the non-exposed people on Utirik, medical expertise was available during sick calls.