2 Yates May 23, 1990 DOSAGE DOE-1982 reported a 30-year dose of 2.5 rem for Rongelap Island, half the protective action guide applied in the U.S. and elsewhere. This figure was in doubt, however, because of uncertain plutonium dosage (noted by me). Subsequent work is demonstrating that, in fact, plutonium contributes very little to the total dese. Currently, the best estimate of total dose, baseg on whole-body counting, would be about 1.2 rem. : Two caveats apply. First, the final word on plutonium reassessment will be reported on by Brookhaven later in June. Second, dosage depends upon diet; the diet of the future, therefore, should be equivalent (imported plus local foods) to that of the past. The U.S. has been giving large amounts of food to the Rongelap people, but this is scheduled to stop in 1991. What then? If the USDA assistance ceases, the people cculd eat two or three or four times as much local (Island) food, which would raise the dose 2 or 3 or 4 times. But there is not that much local food to be eaten -~ Rongelap Island or even the Atoll has never been self-sufficient for sizeable populations. The population would have to shrink. Several other points should be mentioned. DOE-1982 did not specifically deal with infants and children. My Report sets outside limits for them, but additional work providing additional reassurance should be done. Anjain et al argue that the established protection guides do not apply to the Rongelap people, since all of them have been exposed in the past. However, all 1600 members of the community were not exposed. Furthermore, the addition in the future of 1-2 rem per 30 vears to an initial dose in 1954 of 200 rem, or a chronic dose over 1957-1985 of 3-4 rem, would be of no practical importance. The work of the BEIR V committee will not materially affect this statement. MISCELLANEOUS The Enewetak Comparison Anjain et al point to Enewetak Atoll as a model for the treatment of Rongelap. They claim that all of Enewetak Atoll was decontaminated -- including Enewetak Island. That being so, Rongelap Island should be decontaminated. Furthermore, they claim that no settlement was allowed on Enewetak Island until all work on the Atoll was completed. -96- 5000709