18 C. HEMATOLOGICAL FINDINGS Since blood-forming cells are among the most radiosensitive cells in the body, hematological examinations have been emphasized in both exposed and unexposed populations. Evidence of such sensitivity in the exposed Rongelap people was provided bythe early acute depression of leukocytes and platelets and by possible residualeffects on hemopoiesis indicated by a lag in recoveryof blood elements to the levels of the unexposed population. The developmentof a fatal case of leukemia mayalso be evidenceof residualeffect. 212 x 410 — meee 2 8 = 6 * x 2 a} 2 2 0 Days 1. Procedures Mo Years Timeafter exposure Figure 10. Mean neutrophil and white cell counts of Rongelap people from the time of exposure through 20 Until 1972 vearly measurements were made of peripheral blood elements, including WBC, differential white counts, RBC and hematocrit and/or years post exposure. Stars represent mean values of comParison population. hemoglobin, and platelet counts. Since a case of leukemia was found in 1972, such measurements have been made twice a year. The counts were done under a microscope until electronic means cameinto use (Coulter counter and General Sci- ence Haema-Count MK 3 and MK instru- ments). Reticulocyte and bone marrow examinations have been done on several occasionsby stan- 10 ~~ nA ¥ 6SL : ato Sb Ou 08 tions over the years have included tests for leu- wv be Plasma and red cell samples have been brought back for special studies in laboratories in the United States. These studies are further discussed 30-5 —_ It Mo 1s 12 fo 14 “Vee Ws in ta ye Years Timeafter exposure 7 & °7 40- TIT nN Platelets x 10- in later sections, where relevant. deiphia, did the studies for Australia antigens. iL . Figure 11. Mean lymphocyte counts of Rongelap peopir from time of exposure through 20 vears post exposure Stars represent mean values of comparison pupulation and plasma volume, chromosome analysis, etc. *Dr. B.S. Blumberg, Institute for Cancer Research, Phila- weet , ay tt Days alkaline phosphatase staining of neutrophils,** analysis for Australiaantigens),’ studiesofred cell **Dr. W. Molonev and Mrs. L. Tullin at Harvard Medical School did the alkaline phosphatase staining of neutrophils in peripheral blood smears. of 10 immature forms, basophil counts in 4000 cells. *Mr. N. McDaniel of SUNY at Stony Brook has donethedifferential counts for the past several years. oe 24 40 356 726123456789 kemia(i.e., special scanning of blood smears for In Figures 10 to 12 the mean blood counts of the combined (Rongelap and Ailingnae) exposed group are compared with those of the unexposed group over the 20-year period. Dataarelisted in Table 12 for the past 5 years, and in Appendix 6 for the entire 20 years. Figure 13 shows the cu- es = gx = dard procedures.* A number ofspecial hematological examina- 2. Recovery of Hemopoiesis — - + ~~ — ’ Males (age > 10) 10K Otbiisili ys 08 244056726 ! Lid 12345 4 6789 1 10 Days Mo _13 12 15 i4 t7) 16 (19 18 Years Timeafter exposure Figure 12. Meanplatelet counts of Rongelap people from timeof exposure through 20 years post exposure Stars represent mean counts of unexposed comparison popula ns. 2