Trip Report
-20-
Pratt: Many people have had thyroid problems but many people
also died of something else before their thyroid problems killed
them.
"If I (Pratt) had problem I would like to have it removed
although there is a good chance I could live my life out without
having it removed. I believe that a person with two or three
operations should be compensated for each but I don't make policy.
I recommend to DOE,
then DOE
(sic)
asks Congress to appropriate
pe
ja
(c
more money.
Next time we will bring a pediatrician and then will
ask DOE and Congress if we can bring dentists".
Are only exposed people entitledto per diem.
Pratt:
Yes,
25 years ago three groups were set up as Rongelapexposed, Utirik-exposed, and Rongelap controlled.
25 years ago
scientists felt these were the people that should be studied.
I am told that the Rongelap-controlled group has no thyroid problems
but Utirik unexposed have problems.
Pratt:
I will give a study showing that the thyroid problems for
Rongelap-controlled people range about half way between the
Rongelap~exposed and Utirik~exposed.
je
Two people from Utirik that were unexposed were given I.D.s and
operated on.
Why?
Pratt:
Conard has done this by his own personal decision.
Why don't you give Wilson and others who are in a Similar situation
I.D. cards?
[oO
What about the exposed people that died?
[>
Pratt:
Problem is that there must be an autopsy but knowing your
custom we have no way to get this information.
If people can give
evidence that deaths were radiation-related we will consider
compensation,
[oO
Do deceased persons' families get the $1,000.
[oo
Pratt:
I have no authority to do this but I will talk to DOE
about it,
HUB:
Will call Judy Knapp and get answer back to Magistrate.
There is no housing for medical referrals on Majuro?