toring and dosimetry information from BNL. The impetus behind this last is- sue was the discovery of unexpectedly high Cs-137 body burdens among Bikini Island residents in 1977 and 1978, In keeping with historical precedents, we propose that BNL be designated the “lead laboratory” for those scientific and medical programs which involve direct interaction with the Marshallese people. In contrast, LLL would con- tinue to function in areas related to environmental and long-term predictive dose assessments. Within this conceptual umbrella of “people-related” program,the MIRSP proposes to initiate, expand and/or continue activities in the following areas: . A. Retrospective Dose Assessments or Reassessments The unexpected incidence of thyroid pathology among Utirik Atoll residents formed the basis of a proposal to reassess the thyroid and whole-body doses to the residents of Rongelap and Utirik resulting from the BRAVO test. This study has been funded at an annual level of about $50K since FY 1978. The first report on this program is currently in draft. It covers the chronic doses to the populations of these two atolls, once they were returned home following the BRAVO evacuation. A report on the acute doses ts awaiting re- ceipt and analysis of work subcontracted to BNWL (activation analysis of 1-129 and other long-lived fission products) and LLL (meteorological modelling of BRAVO fallout transport and deposition). In light of the modest level of funding for this project, we feel that significant progress has been made to_ date. Our literature search in connection with the retrospective dosimetry activities has uncovered important historical radiological monitoring data for several additional atolls, including Likiep, Ujelang and Ailuk. When coupled With the results of the Northern Marshall Island's Radiological Survey (NMIRS) and our contemporary personnel monitoring activities these data will provide a reasonably sound basis for retrospective dose estimates for the populations of other atolls in the Northern Marshalls. It is also apparent that other tests in addition to BRAVO have made significant contributions to population doses in the region. Insofar as P.L. 96-205 mandates medical care, environmental research and monitoring, etc. “for the people of such other atolls as may be found to be or have been exposed ...", we feel that an expanded program of retrospective dosimetry should be vigorously pursued. Apart from its obvious scientific importance, the doses incurred by the people of the Marshalls are now a politico-legal issue, and form a logical basis for the establishment of priorities in implementing P.L. 96-205. Since we have conceived the original retrospective dosimetry program, and have made demonstrable progress in this area, we feel that the expansion of our existing program is justified. B. Contemporary Dosimetry Historically, personel monitoring (whole body counting and urine bioas- say) activities in the Marshall Islands were conducted under the auspices of the Brookhaven Medical Program. This responsibility was gradually assumed by the MIRSP beginning in 1977. The rationale for this change was that the per-