TITLE
Medical Studies of the People
BUDGET AND REPORTING CODE
DATE PREPARED
of the Marshall Islands Accidentally
Exposed
to Fallout
HA-02-01-01
CONTRACTOR NAME
Associated Universities, Inc.
20,
a.
CODE
WP NUMBER
23/31/81
TASK NO.
REV. NO.
BNL
0
Detail Attachments.
Facility Requirements.
Although the Liktanur II does not fulfill all the requirements for the BNL
medical team, the Marshall Island Airline will be able to transport personnel to
Rongelap and Utirik commencing in FY'81 and, in part, fulfill the necessity of
having a larger ship.
Since there is adequate air transportation from Kwajalein
to Majuro, the Liktanur TI will not be required after a Medical Facility is built
on Majuro next to the new hospital site.
Recent discussions with Marshall Island
Government officials indicate that the new hospital will not be constructed for at
least three years.
Since its laboratories and x-ray facilities will be used, Che
services of Liktanur II will be required to provide laboratories and x ray until
the new hospital and the BNL Medical Facility are constructed.
b.
Publications.
None in FY 1980.
In the interest of economy, the 25th year Report will be
combined with the 26th year Annual Report and published in FY 1981.
Cc.
Purpose.
Post~exposure surveys in the Marshall Islands have been conducted for 26
years.
In addition to the 244 persons originally exposed, a group of unexposed
Marshallese are examined for a "comparison population" to assess late effects of
radiation from fallout.
d.
Background,
‘
The continuing development of thyroid neoplasms, biochemical hypothyroidism,
and the appearance of one case of acute leukemia indicate the need for frequent
examinations.
In addition to routine physical, hematological, and other labora-
tory examinations, the surveys involve special studies related to aging, malignancy, reproduction, and measurement of body burdens of radionuclides resulting from
the slight contamination remaining on the islands.
Patients with thyroid nodules
are
returned
indicated.
physician, a
residence at
to supervise
e.
to the United States
for hospitalization and surgical
treatment as
In view of the diverse medical problems and their management, a
Marshallese nurse-practitioner, and a laboratory technician are in
Kwajalein and make intermittent trips to Rongelap, Majuro, and Utirik
care and perform interim examinations of the exposed Marshallese.
Approach.
R & D Methodology
The work is conducted in conformance with generally accepted methodology for
investigations of this character.
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