be no different from that of the comparison populations. The incidences and types of diseases affecting all groups were similar, and there was no clear ev~ idence of accelerated aging or cataract formation, of decreased longevity, increased mortality, or increased incidence of malignancy (other than thyroid). B. Methods 1. Procedures _ Extended field trips for general examinations were made at least annually, and more frequently during certain periods, following the accident. For major field surveys, the medical team usually consisted of a dozen technologi-~ cal support personnel and four to six physicians, including an expert thyroid- ologist, a hematologist and a pediatrician when possible, cologist and a dentist. and sometimes a gyne- During the past six years, a physician and a technolo- gist in full-time residence in Kwajalein have attempted to make quarterly vists to hold general sick call, to conduct follow-up evaluations of contin- uing problems, and to promote general health care and education among the populace. Table 1 shows the current locations of various members of the examina- tion group. Many are now congregated at the major population centers: Majuro (the Trust Territory District Center) and Ebeye Island in Kwajalein Atoll. Medical facilties established on these islands by Brookhaven National Laboratory included two large trailers which provided semipermanent quarters for physical, x-ray, and laboratory examinations. able from nearby Trust Territory hospitals. Rongelap and Utirik, Additional support was avail- The outer islands, including necessitated shipborne surveys, since they were essen- tially inaccessible by air. During the past six years, two chartered vessels were modified to transport the entire medical team and to provide on-board examination facilities and equipment for outer island surveys. These were supplemented by trailers and Butler buildings on some islands. Table 1. Locations of Marshall Islands groups under study, 1979. Group Rongelap + Ailinginae exposed Rongelap unexposed Utirik exposed Utirik unexposed Bikini Wotje Likiep Total R U 18 - - 264 = - 204 - - 4 226 54 318 E 20 360 L7 29 4 = 430 M 11 i111 30 169 159 - 480 K L W 1 - - 24 - = 149 -~ 4 ~ 29 = - 149 Other Total 2 1 6 155 - 164 5 72 10 16 31 ~ - 134 N = R = Rongelap; U = Utirik; E = Ebeye; M = Majuro; K = Kili; L = Likiep; Wotje. 55 753 112 478 228 155 149 1930