TITLE
Human
Health
Effects
from Energy
Generation:
Medical Studies of the
People of the Marshall Islands
Accidentally Exnosed
CONTRACTOR NAME
Associated Universities, lnc.
20f.
to Fallout
BUDGET AND REPORTING CODE
DATE PREPARED
HA-02-01-01
CODE
BNi
WP NUMBER
03/31/80
TASK NO,
REV. NO.
0
Technical Progress cont.
Expected Progress in BY-2 (FY 1980) cont.
During FY 1980 all research records are being reviewed and condensed for
transfer to microfiche and finally for computerization. This process requires
restructuring the charts in a problem-oriented format to provide the structure
necessary for flexible clinical and research utilization in a computerized format.
During the last two surveys of FY 1979 there was an obligation to examine
and care for the people of Bikini. This endeavor greatly expanded the patient
load without supplemental funding, and it is anticipated that continuation of
these examinations will be required.
Funding, responsibility, and authority for
this activity has been under discussion at the Department of Interior and the
Department gf Energy for a number of months but the problem remains unresolved.
In addition, if the Likiep survey reveals an increased incidence of thyroid
pathology, as is suspected, a medical survey of that island and possibly of Wotje,
Alluk, and Mejit may be required. If these incremental increases occur, the study
population would be more than tripled.
Emphasis on health and radiation education will be continued and increased
to place radiation in its proper perspective in a matrix of health risk for the
Marshallese. Continued monitoring of all populations determined to be at
increased risk from radiation-induced diseases will continue, focusing primarily
on the thyroid, hematopoietic
system, breast, lung, stomach, and colon using
Suitable screening tests.
Expected Progress in BY-l (FY 1981).
In view of
the serious late effects of fallout exposure, continued medical
surveillance of the exposed populations is mandatory as the studies are still in
the latent period of a number of significant carcinomas.
Special examinations for
the thyroid abnormalities, as well as for neoplasia of other organs and tissues
and other late effects must be continued.
In light of the recent renewal of
interest of long term effects of "low level" radiation, the data from this study,
even though the population is small, should serve as one of the longest prospective studies of the effects of both acute high level and long term low level
external and internal radiation.
Other studies to be pursued include:
a) thyroid
comparison studies--it is hoped that the Department of Energy funds will continue
to be approved for carrying out thyroid surgery in the United States on unexposed
Rongelap and Utirik people in the extended comparison study where such surgery is
indicated; b) reevaluation of dosimetry of the Utirik people, including thyroid
doses; c) study of the nature and the treatment of diabetes in Marshallese to
include trace element analysis of the people and the echosystem; d) studies with
Dr. Raymond A. Popp of Oak Ridge (for frequency of isolucine substitution in
hemoglobin of Marshallese blood as. an index of somatic mutations associated with
radiation exposure and aging; e) studies of polymorphism and rare protein variance
in the blood cells of children of exposed and unexposed parents--Dr. James V.
Neel at the University of Michigan has expanded his battery of tests for these
variants and has agreed to continue these studies on Marshallese children; and f)
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