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°

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:

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

Select target paragraph3