order to Characterize the etiology and pavnology of the observed lesions. Aivthough the Pindings at this point arc ecuivecal, possible significance is reinforced by similar findings among Rongelap Island children who were exposed to nigh Levels of fallout in 1954 resulting from a Pacific weapons in. the Pacific the air concentrations were undouwstedly higher, but vest. vne length of_exposure was less and the possibility of unconcentrating radioactive iodine in milk did not exist. generally accepted that the thyroid gland of infants and child- » air doses greater than 100 R) to the sead and neck cf infants 8S fa (genera Qa bo ps be thyroid @€ racgiosensitive with recpect to tumorigenesis based on many n the literature that clearly associate a nigh prevalence of eopiasia as late as 10 - 20 years Lollowing therapeutic exposures and chiidren. The main concern overs the thyroid radiosensitivity, with respect to Fallout contamination, centers on several radioactive icdine isotoges wiich contribute prominently to the spectrum of fresh fission Preducts ana which denave metabolically in a manner identical to stable iceine; i.€., .e tne radioactive isotopes of iodine also are selectively at a. concentrated in the thyroiac gland where most of the ionizing radiation energy is t ther expended. These radioisotopes of iodine would be concen- trated in Tresn milk if land on which dairy cattle graze is contaminated with Tresn fallout. Therefore, there is concern whether the internal tnyrold dose Trom radioiodine inhaled or consumed, particularly through milx, is a hazard to children. Tne Division of Radiological Uealth considers tnav these preliminary Tindings from Rongelap Island and Utah are of extreme importance and x lation reauest. Thre importance of these a is substantiated oy % e react ion anc interest manifested by ' S nv's Office of Science and Technology; the Surgeon General, the rn Secretary, Deparvment of Health, Education, and Welfare; Federal Radiation a e A ~ aes. hee Energy Commission. QO ; about vnese Findings and Eacn nas expressed concern emohasizces tie need For concerted sclentitic nvestigavions to clarify what etiologic role, if any, contamination Tfrom ~~ &..0us Diays in twne croduction of tnyroti a A280 the findings and recommendations of a panel of experts on thy- roid disease and a vanel of biostatistical exverts suggested by the Office s rece end Teeny. gy, coun convenea by tre Surgeon General, further t x % ni vy extensive anc intensive studies to clarify the min the occurrence of thyroid abnormalities. se : - a -4a4 : > VO Carry J ows this emanded vroeea. in 1907 will require an amendment original © and 27 vositions to whe original 1967 estimates. The estimates Tor both 1966 and 1967 included $286,000 and 12 positions to cover our current efforts in this area. It is now planned to expand 1956 efforts to $536,000 and 16 positions, This is an increase of $100,000 and Zour nositions for 1966. The 1966 increase will be accomplisned through acminisvracvive savings currently t:lng made through more prudent management of expenditures for wravel, commuricalions and equipment. ana . na : : 7 To accomplish : a Zz gran efforts on a Pull scale basis in 1957 will require $1,586,000 ositions. “nis is an increase of $1,200,000 and 27 positions over