401938) THE RADIOLOGICAL STATUS OF THE BIKINI PEOPLE A Summary Report This report summarizes the events with which I am familiar concerning the radiological findings on the people of Bikini and the events necessitating their removal again. A. BACKGROUND l. Evacuation of the People and EarlySurveys In 1946, in preparation for the atomic bomb test program (Operation Crossroads), the 166 Bikini natives were moved first to Rongerik atoll, which proved to have insufficient natural resources, then briefly to Kwajalein, and finally in November 1948 to Kili island in the southern Marshalls. This island has been unsatisfactory in many ways, particularly since it lacks a lagoon to furnish the type of fish to which the Marshallese were accustomed. The forced change in diet contributed markedly to the inability of these people to adjust to Kili island. In the 10 years after the atomic bomb testing ended with the moritorium in 1958, Bikini had become overgrown with dense vegetation. Brief radiological surveys of the island had been carried out on several occasions and a complete survey was done in 1964, at which time it was decided that the safety of the people returning permanently to the area might be endangered. A detailed survey was made in April-May 1967 at the request of the Secretary of the Interior. The gamma dose that time was about the same as in the U.S. in the beach areas of the island, but higher in the interior. Pandanus, coconut meat and milk, as well as coconut crabs all contained substantial amounts of }3’cs ana 20sr. 2. Ad Hoc Committee Meeting The AEC convened an adhoc conmittee consisting of 8 scientists to consider if Bikini atoll was suitable for human habitation with regard to radiological hazards. Members and associates of the 1967 survey team presented their findings and also the committee was briefed by Dr. Jack Tobin, an anthropologist, who was expert in Marshallese culture. Dr. P. F. Gustafson presented a summary report of the radiological data based on living patterns on Bikini Island. He concluded that, "it is unlikely that the wholebody exposure or the exposures to specific organs including bone will exceed 4 rads in 5 years, 15 rads in 30 years, or 30 rads in 70 years". After reviewing the available data, the ad hoc committee concluded that, "the exposure to radiation that could result from repatriation of the Bikini people did not offer a significant threat to their health and safety.” (See attached copy of report.) They recommended a number of measures to * In view s= my retirement in several months, I thought it might be desirable to write this brief report. 5013a 1b “i