below, and neutrophile counts dropped to 2500 or less. The symptoms of several persons who developed upper respiratory infections during tuis period were carefully monitored. rose tnreateningly, 1 When their temperatures they were given antibiotics to prevent further complications and they responded favorably. treated with medication. | In all, 12 persons were Fortunately no immediate serious illnesses appeared, nor where there any fatalities. Urine samples were taken to try to calculate the original amount of radioactive material taken radioactive material still remained. Fifty-two days after the bomb . SAafetln into the bodies of people and to try to determine what amounts of exploded, seven people were selected from the Rongelap group to be given a recovery agent, ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), which has the ability to help speed the process of elimination of some radionuclides through the body's normal functions. The attempt was ‘ ended after five days, however, when it was determined that the general effect of reducing the amount of the body's radioactive burden was so slight as to be virtually useless. i This was due to the fact that ke little was being excreted at that time, due in turn to the fact it had i been nearly two months since radioactive material had been ingested, ‘ G and it had become firmly settled in the tissues of the bodies. by the time two months iad passed, after exposure, it appeare. that any possible immediate danger had passed. he exposed American service- men, after careful study which shoved no positive findings, were released to their duty stations. }7 j J d At the end of three months, the people of Utirik, wno reportedly received the lowest dose of radioactivit™. [ é AS = I! t }