DRAFT
26
A study of "atoll soil types in relation to the distrbution of fallout
radionuclides," made from collections done in 1958, 1959, 1951, and 1963, is
completed by the LRB. It notes that “different plant soil environments on single islets
have a different vertical distribution pattern ... from the same fallout." In addition,
"the maximum concentration of fallout radionuclides remains at fhe soil surface...
except in areas where there has been erosion." Finally, while "Cs7’ and Sr® are the
principal radionuclides entering a cycle within the soil-plant systefx" and "loss from
this system appears to be small," no definite conclusions are drawg
from this data.'’*
Sep - Dec 65
CONTRACTOR
MEDICAL
Conard begins "routine administration of thyroid hormon
Rongelap people.’
1966
to the exposed
ADMINISTRATION
WEAPONTESTING
The T.T. legislature requests President Lyndon B. Johr&éon to create a
commission to consider the future status of the T.T.'*”
Safeguard "C" focuses on Johnston Atoll under a
[memorandum of
understanding between the Defense Atomic Support Agency (DAS) and the AEC."
Feb - Mar 66
CONTRACTOR
MEDICAL
Conard identifies five more people with thyroid nodules, brihging the total to
16 of the 69 survivors from the 1954 test. The BNL plans to bridg these five new
cases to BNL in May for study and treatment. To date only one
been found, but it is noted that thyroid cancer often grows "in
Forty children from Utirik who had received 14R whole body
cancer case has
fnodular fashion."
exposures are also
examined, and no nodules are found. In addition, 194 unexposed|Marshallese now
living on these islands are examined, and three people over 47 yebrs old are found
to have nodules.'*”
May - Jun 66
CONTRACTOR
MEDICAL
The five Marshallese with nodules, discovered in Conard’s March 1966 survey,.
are brought to BNL for evaluation and given subtotal thyroidectomieg at New England
Deaconess Hospital in Boston. All patients have goiters with nodi#les and one has
Hurtle ceils. None exhibit complications, and the group is returned
They will be treated with thyroid hormones.’”
Sep 66
Home on 16 June.
CONTRACTOR
MEDICAL
Conard visits the five Marshallese operated on in June 1966 dnd finds no new
medical problems. In addition, "the nodules ... of the remaining patients seem ...
controllable by ... thyroid hormone.""”’