3 uals of the same age groups showed no apparent differences. A biological age score was calculated skin and epilation appeared about 2 weeksaiter exposure, largely on parts of the body not covered by clothing. About 90% of the people exposed for individuals and groups by use of an average percentagescore. Life shortening -ffects of radiation have ct been apparent. As noted, the mortality rate was about the samein the exposedasin the unexposed people. Development of thyroid pathology was noted in 1963 when a teen-age exposed girl was found to have a nodule of the thyroid gland. In 1964, two additional teen-age girls were found to have nodules. These cases were operated upon, and the nodules were found to be benign adenomatoid goiters. These abnormalities are believed to be the result of exposure of the thyroid to radioiodines from the fallout and to the gammaradiation. The dose to the child’s thyroid was estimated as between 700 and 1400 rads from radioiodines and an additional 175 rads from gammaradiation for the group exposed to 175 rads. No nodules were detected in the unexposed children. Two cases of cancer have developed in the exposed group. Thefirst appeared at 5 years post ex- on Rongelap had these burns, and a smaller number developed spotty epilation of the scalp. Mostofthe lesions were superficial; they exhibited pigmentation and dry, scaly desquamation, and were associated with itching and burning sensations. Rapid healing and repigmentation 1ollowed. Somelesions were deeper, showed wet desquamation, and were more painful. A few burns became secondarily infected and had to be treated with antibiotics. Repigmentationof the lesions gradually took place in most instances, and the skin appeared normal within a few weeks. However, in about 15% of the people, deeper lesions, particularly on the dorsum ofthefeet, continued to show lack of repigmentation with varying degrees of scarrir g and atrophyofthe skin. At 10 years these conditions werestill evident in a numberofcases. Duringthe past several years an increased number of ;igmented maculae and moles have been noted in previously irradiated areasof the skin, but these have appeared to be quite benign. Numeroushistopathological studies have been made,''*> and the changes found have been consistent with radiation damage. At no time have posure, too soon, it is believed, to have been radia- tion induced. Thesecond occurredat 8 years post exposure. Leukemia surveys including physical findings, studies of leukocyte counts and morphology, alka- changes been observed either grossly or microline phosphatase staining,and basophil counts of =.. scopically indicative#£imalignantor premalignant 4000 whitecells showed no evidence Pleukephis or .eukemic tendency. One‘¢hild in group has hadslightly, glevatedbasophi change. Spotty epilation on the neads was short ed ~ ™lived, regrowth ofhair occurring about 3 months ut *after exposureand complete regrowth of normal no otherpeaitive findings.“Phegardiaetscilarande“hair. by 6 months. No-further ew‘dence oftepilation arthrites surveys, as well as the’Beheralresiits Sf'the.. “has been geen. 2 wees physical examinations, have notahown Siaaig pe” cha ae Nat en‘An:iiferesting obsezvaitian nated ag|thefirst parent increased incidence of degeneradibe. Weast¥th eemonths.after exposure wasthe deve pinent of the exposed people. No radiation- indwows ws a —a bluisli-brown pigméntatianof!the semifunarareas have been @beerved in any of the expos of the fingernailg.and toenailsiinabout 90% of the Genetic effects have.not been specitediySeated “people exposed on Rongelap. ‘By. 6 ‘manths this “-ecause of the smallnumberof peopig'invowved: ~ Pigtientationhad ‘disappeared, having grQwn out No apparentgadiation-induced geneticichanges “~. with the naif. Thecause of this phenomenon has" r«-not been exptaincd’ 4g have been detected orrreutine physicafs tions in‘the first-generagdpnsphildren, : parents, with thepossibleexdaption,of'su Sgietiye evidence ofinereased miscarriages§ dseit in the exposed4women.. BETA IRRADIATION OF THE SKIN It was impossible to get an accurate estimate of the radiation dose to the skin. Beta burns of the a ~ Se . eas. “ee . .}NTERNAL IRRADIATION Radiochemical analyses of numerous urine samples of the exposed population showedinternal absorption of radioactive materials, probably brought about largely through eating and drinking contaminated food and water and to lesser extent through inhalation. During the first few