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THE ANNUAL EXAMINATIONS

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on

The Lucky Dragon

Discovery of what had happened to the crewmen of the Lucky Dragon after
they arrived in Japan caused a furor, touched off by the natural sensitivity
of the Japanese concerning radiation exposure because of the experience of
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

It also engendered a later nationwide hysteria con-

cerning radioactive contamination of tuna and other fish caught near the test

ee

at

ad

zone.

At that time Dr. Toshiyuki Kumatori, who would later visit Rongelap with
Dr. Conard's team in 1964 and would again accompany the team in 1972 as a
consultant to the Special Joint Committee, was working at the First National
Hospital of Tokyo.

Since he had worked at the University Hospital for

~

University Hospital.

Seven of the more severe cases were sent to the Tokyo

several years previously and knew the hospital director, he requested that
the other 16 be sent to his hospital.

During its visit to Tokyo in 1972, Dr.

Kumatori discussed generally what had happened to the men, who ranged in age

from 18 to 39 vears.

They suffered effects similar ta those experienced by

the Rongelapese, and they were given normal medication and treatment.
six months, case no.

After

14, exposed to an estimated 510 - 590 rads, who was the

radio operator and who had not informed anyone of their experience near
Bikini, died.

Dr. Kumatori stated that it was not clear whether this was

caused by his irradiation, or from another cause.
transfusions were given to some of

did not use disposable syringes,

the men,

He noted that blood

and since at

that

time hospitals

the possibility of the patient contracting
87

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