cell mass and/or plasma volume. However, there
amongthe older group. This creates certain diffculties in interpreting someofthe studiesto be outlined.
Islands for more than | year mayalso haveslightly
limit the procedures and methods that can beused.
Blood volume studies with *'Cr-labeled sodium
chromate showeda significant reduction in red
is some indication that Americansliving in the
lowered values. Tritiated water has been used to
establish the relationship of blood volumeto lean
4. The conditionsoffield examinations naturally
COMPARISON POPULATIONS
body mass. Further studies on blood volume de-
terminations are presentedlater.
OTHER BACKGROUND INFORMATION
As mentioned in previous reports, several difficulties were associated with carrying out the examinations as well as interpreting the findings.
1. The language barrier made examinations
difficult, since very little English is spoken by the
Marshallese. However, there were sufficient English-speaking Marshallese to assist the medical
team in mostinstances.
2. The lack ofvital statistics or demographic
data on the Marshallese imposesa serious difficulty in interpretation and evaluation of the medical data. Trust Territory officials are attempting
to improveregistration of such data.
3. There is uncertainty on the part of some of
the Marshallese as to their exact ages, particularly
During thefirst 2 years, two separate groups of
Marshallese people were used for comparison,
each comparablein size with the exposed Rongelap group and matchedfor age and sex. However,
both groups were found to be unstable, with a
large attrition rate over the 2 years, which made
them unsatisfactory. At the time of the 3-yearsurvey, it was found that during the preceding 12
months the Rongelap population at Majuro Atoll
had doubled becauseofthe influx of relatives who
had come back from other islands to live with
them. These people had been away from Rongelap
Atoll at the time of the accidental exposure. This
group matchedreasonably well for age and sex
and was of comparablesize. Since the return of
the people to Rongelap, however, this group has
about doubledin size. Table 2 shows the various
Marshallese populations that have been examined
since 1954.
Table 2?
Marshallese Populations Examined Since 1954
Group
Original number
in group
Number
living (1966)
Frequency
of exams
Subject
Nos.
Exposed
Rongelap*
Ailingnae**
Uurik
67
19
157
58
15
133
Annual
Annual
3-4 years
99
168+
Annual since 1957
l- 86
i- 86
2101-2257
Unexposed
Rongelap
Rita
Majuro
57
115
1955-1956
1954 only
801-1073
1000-1082
700- 800
Children Conceived After the Fallout
Of exposed parent(s)
Of unexposed parents
*Includes 3 127 utero children.
**Includes | 17 utero child.
63tt
- 60
104
Annual
Annual
87- 151
801-1073
tIndividuals have been added since 1957 when this group was first available.
ttLive births.