groups is a completely valid control group, and the caveats associated with interpretation of the data using these groups are pointed out in Section IX.C. C. Results During the past six years, general medical findings in the Rongelar and Utirik populations continued to be ccmparable and very similar to those noted in previous years. There ‘ere no apparent differences between the exposed and unexposed people from either atoll in incidences of specific diseases (other than thyroid abnommalities, described in Section iX). Subjects in all groups continued to exhibit extensive dental cisease -multiple caries, peridontal inflammatioa, and early endentulism —~ despite re- peticive instruction and encouragement in dental hygiene. Dermatophytic dermatoses and pediculosis, sometimes with seco:.iery infection, remained common, particularly among the children, in whom wolluscum contagiosum also occurred with high frequency. The ophthalmological findings were similar to those reported in the 20year report (1). Ttese included a hign incidence of pinguecuiae and pterygia, arcus senilis, and senile cataracts. No radiogenic cataracts have heen noted. Though some of the cataracts have been associated with diabetes, vascular changes in the fundus associated with this disease vere minimal (se Section VII). VIL. The high incidence of diabetes among the adults is discussed in Section Adults continued cto have evidence of hypertension as indicated by systolic pressures >140 mmHg or diastolic >90 mmHg. Virtually every adult studied, regardless of exposure group, registered pressures above these limits at least once during the past six years., Repeated elevations (cwo or more) were found in 12 of 42 Rongelap exposed adults, 21 of 55 Utirik exposed adults, and 20 of 64 Rongelap controls. This frequency is higher thar the 9% incidence reported during the first 20 years (1) and may reflect the advancing age of all grouyvs. Overt clinical evidence of hypertensive heart disease or retinopathy rev.ains scarce. Evidence of degenerative osteoarthritis in the elderly was uniformly at parent among all groups with equal frequency, and musculo-skeletal complaints such as backaches, lower extremity pain, and decreased flexib‘lity were common. Pelvic examinations, including Pap smears, resulted in abnormal findings in 7% of the female population examined. Cervical inflammation and tcrichomonas were commonly seen, and occasionally fungus infections, herpes, and condylamata. The fungal infections were often correlated with diabetes as evidenced by elevated blood sugar levels. Several toxemias of pregnancy were noted. The incidences of the above abnormalities were about the same in the exposed as in the unexposed females.* Hypertension was practically nonexistent in Marshallese children. Obesity was noted primarily in some girls after they had reached puberty. In *Dr. Ruth Nicoloff (Permanente Medical Group, Los Ang2les) was responsibie for interpreting the Pap smears.