TITLE Human Health Effects from Energy BUDGET AND REPORTING CODE Generation: Medicai Studies of the People of the Marshall Islands Accidentally Exposed to Fallout CONTRACTOR NAME Associated Universities, Inc. 20f. DATE PREPARED HA-02-01-01 CODE 03/31/80 WP NUMBER BNL TASK NO. REV. NO. 0 Technical Progress cont. Technical Progress in BY-3 (FY 1979) cont. the Utirik dilemma, reevaluation of radiation doses from fallout to the Utirik people, including the thyroid, is in progress. The bill authorizing compensation to certain of the Rongelap and Utirik people for radiation injuries was signed by the President and payments were completed during FY 1979. A study of diabetes, a serious disease in the Marshall Islands, was initiated several years ago and the data collection has just been completed. report of the results of this study will be issued shortly. A During this fiscal year an intestinal parasite survey was completed on Rongelap Atoll and at Utirik with studies of stool specimens and serologic testing, by immunofluorescence. Anthelminthic therapy (Vermox) was started on nearly the entire population. A large percentage of the people had positive stools for parasites. The majority of the parasites were eliminated in this island group by the treatment regimen. AS part of the expanded medical studies a trailer was obtained for laboratory purposes at the Hospital at Ebeye and a small clinical laboratory was established to support the resident M.D. A Brookhaven National Laboratory laboratory technician/administrator was transferred to Kwajalein to support this facility. A program to educate the people of Rongelap and Utirik regarding radiation and its effects was continued during the past year. During the time of the annual surveys lectures were given to the people by members of the medical team and, in addition, Dr. Naidu, of Brookhaven, remained on Rongelap and Utirik for a ten-week period indoctrinating the people about radiation. The attitudes of the Rongelap and Utirik people towards the examinations improved, due partly to a better understanding of the objectives of the medical team as a result of the increased educational program, and partly to an improved attitude of the Marshallese politicians. Expected Progress in BY~2 (FY 1980). Following the September-October survey of 1979 the inadequacies of the Support system and the vessel became the controlling factors. Currently, no vessel is available for support of the surveys. Both the Department of Energy and BNL are actively trying to resolve this problem. survey schedule for FY 1980 will be completed. When a ship is obtained the The planning cycle will probably allow time for two full surveys during this period. In addition, an epidemiological survey of Likiep will be performed, under contract with Tabershaw Occupational Medicine Consultants, to assess the validity of a Marshall Island Government medical questionnaire which indicated an unusual incidence of thyroid pathology in that population. HAH OL - 3 1015222