v

Japanese scientists and government officials on March 2),

I made a furthe

offer, in behalf of the Atomic Energy Commission, to provide whatever

.

facilities were available for evaluation of the radiological factors im
volved in the incident. I repeated the assurances repeated earlier by Dr.
Morton that we wished sincerely to be of assistance, that our
icipation
was not motivated (as some Japanese suggested) by the opportunities for
scientific studies, and that whatever data we obtained would be turned
over to the Japanese investigators to be used by them in any way they saw fit.
At this point it would be desirable to list the radiological studies

which had been already made by the Japanese. These studies are of interest
because they indicate the extent of Japanese capabilities in this field, and

define the extent to which our factlities would be helpful to the Japanese.

Maru.

(1) Using s Cutie Pie, they measured the radioactivity of the Fukuryu
These data appear completely satisfactory and prove to be in good

agreenent with measurements made with American calibrated equipment.
(2)

They measured radicactivity of the fish and fishermen, using

portable survey equipment.

However, their equipment was not calibrated

and their data were given in counts per minute as determined by the original
factory calibration.

(3)

They determined that the ash recovered from thd vessel was

radioactive using an end window Gi tube and scaler. Their counting systen
was not calibrated and they reported counts per minute with no knowledgy
of the factor required to convert their data to standard units.

(4) They completed a qualitative radiochenical
and reported the following: Sr 89, Y91, Zr9S, Nb9Se,

is of the ash
RulO3, Ruldé,

RhLO6, Sbl27, Tel32, TL32, 1232, BalsO, LalbO, Cethl, Celuh. (More
iectereo have completed a semi-quantitave analysis for a few
isotopes).

(S) They had scanned the bodies uf the fishermen with a GM robe.
(6)

earlier.

They nad edministered «duse of ash to 1 mouse, ad described
tga

3

“

iA

-

;

(7) Using an imersion type GM tube, they had demonstrated radio-

activity in the urine of 3 fishermen.

As before, their equipment was not

calibrated and the absolute activity could not be determined.

With this as the status of their investigation at the time of cy arrival,

and following several hours during which I acquainted the Japanese with our
experience in this field, I offered the following services to then:

(1) Complete radiochemical analysis of 24 hour urine collections fron
all patients. In view of the importance of this analysis in evaluating
the status of the patients, I urged that these samples be furnished
immediately and assured them that in one week it would be possible to
give them a report for the constituents of principal Qlological importance,
I explained the need for serial samples and suggested that collections be
made at weekly intervals.

They seemed amxtious to accept this service.

~

wu ¢!

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