’ nearby island, and received whole body exposures eatimated at 69 & plus less
certain, but probably smaller thyroid doses.
None of the six children (1-10 years
of age) who were with the group on Ailingnae has shown nodules, but one of the
three adults shown in the table es having nodules was on Aflingnae.
The only instance of cancer of the thyroid was seen in a Rongelep woman who
vas epproximately 30 years of age when exposed.
The nodular condition seen in the
young pecple fs not a cencerous process, although cencers of the thyroid often
grow in nodular fashion.
In August 1965 nezrly all of these people were placed on s synthetic thyroid
hormone, tetrafiodothyronine, on the basis that such therapy would modify the
incidence and/or course of the nodular process.
It appears to have been pertielly
effective but it is still toosoon to be definite.
Forty children of the sone age grouping who were on Utirik Island end received
14 B whole body plys proportionately smaller thyroid exposures also were examined.
They showed no signs of thyroid nodules or thyroid disease.
In addition, 194 Marshallese now living on these islands were examined; three
instances of nodules were found, all among people more than 47 years of ege.
Five of the Marshallese with nodular thyroids will be brought to Brookhaven
National Leboratory this month for further diegnostic study and possible surgery.
One is a 46-year-old woman; tks ethers ere girls, eges 13, 13, 13, and 20.
They
will be accompanied by the Rongelap school teacher who will act as an interpreter.
The treatment and trevel of these six persons hes been developed with the
cooperation of the Honorable Wilfred Goding, High Commissioner, Trust Territory
Department of Energy
of the Pacific Islands.
OFFICE p>
SURNAME
DATE ®
{.....0000
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Form AEC~-218 (Rev. 98-53)
~——----_---. J B. 5. COURRA BINT PRINTING OFFICE
16—€2761-3