ees: Table 448 HEMATOCRIT, ALL EXPOSURE GROUPS | D ay Rongelap Attinginae Males . Females Comb Maics we eeeee ee Fomales Comb ee eee 5* 95 © §& 95 «Bo oh 65 >o- ~5 25 Utirtk <5 ae +6 Comb Males <8 Adults <5 22 23 38.1 42.5 38.0 39.1 38,1 . 40.7 37.5 40.6 37.0 39.4 37.3 40.6 26 35.8 40.3 35.0 38.0 35.6 39.1 36,5 43.2 38.0 36.7 37.0 45.7 38.9 28 29 30 36.10 40050 94.49 37.7 36.4 99.2) 96.0 44.6 32.0 37.2 34.7 39.7 33 39 36.8 36.4 41.0 41.6 34.8 46.0 37.5 37.6 35.9 36.2 39.0 40.0 35.5 35,0 43,8 45.6 38.0 35.0 37.2 37.6 36.3 365.0 39.4 40.3 43 47 35.7 41.0 42.8 36.20 37.6 38.3 35.9 39.6 40.3 36.0 45.2 35.0 37.0 36.7 39.7 3.5 45.2 37.4 40.6 37.8 45.0 38,5 45.2 37.3 40.6 37.8 43.0 Controls Comb Rongerik , 36.9 42.9 44.5 45.4 46.7 44.0 37.8 42.0 44.9 Age ly years. 4.12 COMPARISON OF HEMATOLOGICALFINDINGS IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS, RONGELAPGROUP It is seen from Tables 4.2 to 4.4 and Figs. 4.1, 4.2, and 4.4 that differences in the degree of depression of cellular elements werepresent between children and adults. In Table 4.9, the mean values of the neutrophile, lymphocyte and platelet counts at time of peak depression for each element are given in terms of absolute count and per cent of appropriate control value (mean platelet counts were calculated for the less than 5 and greater than 5 age groupsfor this . comparison). ~t Table 4.9 COMPARISON BY AGE OF MEAN NEUTROPHILE, LYMPHOCYTE AND PLATELET COUNTS IN THE RONGELAP GROUP : AT THE TIME OF PEAK DE PRESSION Absolute Count x 10! Per Cent of Control Type of Cell Age <5 Age <5 Age >5 Neutrophile Lymphocyte Platelets 2.7 2.0 115 56 40 30 64 54 36 Age >5 3.1 - 2.2 122 It is seen that in terms of absolute counts, the children showed a greater depression of the neutrophile count, and the same degree of depression of the platelet counts and less depression of the lymphocyte count. These differences can be most easily described at the time of peak depression. Expressed as per cent of control, all elements were affected more markedly in the younger age group. These results would indicate that children are more sensitive to radiation, or that other biological or physical factors resulted in a relatively greater effect. 4.13 4.13.1 DISCUSSION General mA ° eore es F . + eeu ‘ aepees . erases a . i f . 82 * ' weer An estimation of the severity of radiation damage incurred can be attempted by comparing the present results with previous hematological data on total hody exposure. The present data