~14- G2 BIOLOGICAL PACTORS. There are certain biological factors known to influence the sensitivity of the skin to radiation. In addition to species differences referred to, it is known that the skin of certain parts of the body is more sensitive to radiation than that of others. In ceneral, the thinnereskinned flexor surfaces of the body are more sensitive than the thickerskinned extenscr surfaces GiacKee, ‘ipolarro and Montgomery). to be true in the Marshallese. This was found Lesions were more prevalent on the front and sides cf the neck, axilla and antecubital fossae. ted with pigmentation of the skin. Another factor is associa= Darker-skinned people, brunettes, arc known to be less sensitive to radiation than blondes or people with ruddy complexions, and Negro skin is the most resistant (MacKee, Cipollaro and Montgomery; Bloom and Bloom). Areas of the body where perspiration is more profuse, such as the folds of the neck, axillae, and antecubital fossae tend tc cause the fallout to atick and collect. It was found that skin lesions in these areas were more abundant in the Marshallese. This effect is increased in a warm, humid cli» mate, such as in the Marshall Islands. 2? CONCLUDING REMARKS As a reault of the Marshallese accident, the potentialities of serious injury to the skin from fallout associated with the detonation of large me clear devices are apparent. Of concern also ig the occurrence of similar radiation injuries to the skin from accidental exposure to radioisotopes which are being used increasingly. The skin hazards associated with fiallout can be sreatly reduced by take ing simple precautionary measures. perience in this regard. Much was learned from the Marshallese exe This group of people was not aware of the hazards of fallout and only minimal, if any, efforts were made tc protect themselves. ea 4