=2e
2.
Skin Contamingdion - resulted in spotty loss of hair and skin lesi=ms
;
er exposure. About 90% of the children lost hair to
some degree and about 30% of the adults. 90% developed skin lesions of
spotty distribution over the exposed parts of the body not covered by clothing. Whe majority of the skin lesions were superficial and were no worse
than a sunburn with the outer skin peeling away. They healed and revigmented
rapidly. About 20% of the people developed deeper lesions which became
weeping ulcerse However, even these healed rapidly, but a few show some
scarring and lack of repigmentation to vresent. The hair began regrowing
about 3 months after exposure and by six months was completely regrown in
all cases.
3.
Internal Contamination « Radiochemical studies of urine samples showed
somedegree of internal absorption of radioactive materials. However, the
total body burden was found to be below the "tolerance" levels that have been
established.
By 6 months, insignificant amounts could be detectedé
Other than the «in lesions, loss of hair and early symptoms there have
been no illnesses or disease processes that have been mcountered which could
be attributed to radiation effects, either during the first survey or sube
sequent resurveys. There have been no deaths, though many of the people
are quite old. The diseases encountered have bean no mre severe or frequent
than in the unirradiated population. This was true even during the pariod
when the greatest depression of their bloed cells occurred. For instance,
at that time an epidemic of common colds occurred, but was no worse in the
Rongelac people co-pared to otherse Therefore, at no time has it been
necessary to resort to any specialized treatment for radiation effects on
the blood such as use of prophylactic antibiotics, blood transfusions, etce
However, careful consideration and treatment has been given to all conditions
which needed attention. The skin .eaions dic require careful treatment and as
a result we have been rewarded with little or no secondary infection of
these lesions. We cannot be certain that cancer will not develop atthe
site of skin lesions, but it does not seem too likely at this tine.
Fertility did not appear to have bem effected in view of thef act
that avout 10 sound babies have been born in the group since the exnosure
and hew pregnancies are in evidences
The veople have reacted to this event philosoohically. They are an
intelli-ent and charming veople and have given us the highest degree of
cooveration. There is mutual respect and affection between us. They
appear to be comfortably quartered and well fed on Ejit Island. They,
of course, wish to return to their homes on “ongelap. It is my under-
standing that the only thing that has delayed their return is the comoletion
of surveys of their home islands by the AEC to be certain that the islands
are safe.
Respectfully submitted,
RO SERT Ae
coPY
1182299
COVARDs
MeDs
Head of the Medical Resurvey Grow