4, Q. WHAT ABOUT THE RATE OF ACCUMULATION OF RADIATION EXPOSURE? A. The rate for external radiation will be higher in the first few years but will decline steadily with time. Initially the accumulation will be about twice that for the average person in the U. S. Reduction to the U. S. average will occur in about 30 to 50 years. When the Bikini people first return, the doses to whole body from external and from internal radioactivity will be about equal. When more of the locally produced foods such as Pandanus begin to become available, the contribution from internel radioactivity may increase. The recommerdations of the Committee . of experts are intended to insure that such exposures in the future remain within an acceptable range. WHERE DOES THE RADIATION IN THE ATOLL COE FROM? Primarily from radionuclides in soil. from one island to another. The levels vary consideraoly It is for this reason that Eneu and Bikini were suggested as village sites since these two islands have lower levels. WHY ARE THE ISLANDS NOW CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE FCR HABITATION WHEN THEY WEREN'T SCME YEARS AGC? Radioactivity decreases with the vassage of time. nuclides disappear faster than others. Some radio- Altogether it is a com- bination of the passase of time and the work of nature in’ * tye a < diffusing and dicpersinz . IA the redicnueliages. 4.7 ~ oe + Readings teken in 1964, for instance, were higher than those of 1067. Soy te ype or EUSTON framers mippeamuren owe TU aT BTN OR8 EE OOLee NOS TR Te Hy et so