~ 5 «= , ‘construction of new cisterms and mending of leaking ones there should be ample catchment water for drinking and cooking. life offers no radiation problem. Coconut crabs (see Table 5) appears to be high enough in activity to be avoided. any event. Consumption of marine They are quite scarce in Further analyses of local products (pigs, chickens,’ vegetables, etc.) have not been completed. “‘owever, it is reassuring that the present consumption of available localfoods and ground water based on these findings, have not raised body burdens of radionuclides above the low levels , reported. The direct measurement of radiation levels in the people living on Bikini is the critical test of radiological safety. The exposure of the - people there, based on the present living pattern, are in the permissible range and as pointed out lower than some other communities in the world. As was pointed out radiation exposure is so low on Bikini that medical effects would not be discernable in this population (see ERDA letter of June 27, 1974 from Mr. J. Liverman to Mr. Chips Barry for estimated effects). We believe that continuation of personnel monitoring is important, however, to maintain a close check on the radiological status of the people. Also -negative findings are important reassurance for the people living there. . RAC: im DiLen ioe Robert A. Conard, M.D, . Sepe. 19, 1975