DRAFT
12
16 Mar 54
RADIATION
Naval station, Kwajalein, reports signs of radiation injury to the Rongelap
group with a "modest decrease in white blood cells.". During the first 48 hours two
reportedly vomited and others experienced nausea. "These residents received
approximately 125 r. cumulative."”
23 Mar 54
MEDICAL
RADIATION
The Rongelap Islanders are the only Marshall Islanders now showingradiation
sickness symptoms, including hair loss, skin and mucous membranelesions, and
blood count averages about two-thirds of normal.”
26 Mar 54
CONTRACTOR
RADIATION
The University of Washington Laboratory of Radiation Biology (LRB)
participates in the first expedition to Rongelap Atoll to collect biological samples for
measurements of radiation contamination.”
1 Apr 54
ADMINISTRATION
MEDICAL
Graves requests the LASLdirector to contrive an excuse to call Shipman back
to Los Alamos as soon as possible.
Shipman is returning in a few days.”
LASL Director Norris E. Bradbury replies that
13 Apr 54
MEDICAL
PLUTONIUM
RADIATION 9°
—
:
Fe
Dt. Thorhas Li Shipman of LASL reports that the analysis of urine of
Rongelapesé and' dir weather service persorinel exposed to Castle fallout shows
aninitial total’ bodydoseof iodine" of about 50 microcuries accompanied by shorterlived iodine isotbpes equivalent to about-5 millicuries of iodiné'*’ at the time of
uptake. The estimated total integrated dose to the thyroid is about 130 "rep" of
which 50 "rep" is from iodine’. Shipman gives estimated body burdens of other
nuclides; he finds plutonium as less than one-half of the maximum accepted
permissible amount."
20 Apr 54
CLAIMS
Prominent Marshall Islanders petition the UN to end the Pacific test operations
if possible, but, if tests are necessary, to take all possible precautions to protect the
health and welfare of the residents.
22 Apr 54
ADMINISTRATION
MEDICAL
RADIATION
According to JIF-7 Commander Gen. Clarkson, although the Joint Chiefs of
(3
Cs)
Staff (CS) directive for Castle "is silent on responsibilities" for the radioactive exposure