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of human beings -- the residual radioactivity, while small, has been sufficient

to cause these observed abnormalities.

So far as it is known, no genetic

studies of germ cell material has ever been made in the Marshallese affected,

therefore, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to connect any possible
future developments in later generations with exposure of their antecedents.
Since this is an important aspect both scientifically, and in a practical sense

for the health and peace of mind of the exposed persons, the Committee finds it
Further elaboration

on material concerning this aspect will be developed in the section immediately

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difficult to understand why no such studies have been made.

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following this one.

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Genetic Studies

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reports concerning the possibility and desirability of doing genetic studies
on the exposed Marshallese.

It was stated that genetic studies of children of

exposed Japanese in Hiroshima and Nagasaki "failed to show any significant
abnormalities."

The report further stated that no abnormalities had been

found in the 13 children born of exposed Marshallese since the fallout occurred.
The report then listed three reasons why genetic studies would be both desirable

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and "fruitful", t.e.:

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In the three year report of 1957, the pattern was set for the rest of the

"1) The people live together as a unit and thus are easily available
from year to year for study. 2) They appear to be a rather homogeneous
race anthropologically, having lived in the Marshall Islands for about
2000 years with little outside intercourse.

Intermarriage for such a

period of time tends to produce genetic homogeneity. Height, skin color,
and features are fairly uniform. 3) Consanguinous marriages are

prevalent . . . and have produced a backlog of 'bad' genes as evidence

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by the high incidence of congential abnormalities.

Radiation induced

mutations would be likely to be reinforced by such marriages."
105

(p. 20)

Select target paragraph3