Hal Hollister 2. -Z- While DOE's predictive capability for assessing radiation doses is thought to be adequate, and radiological survey findings are confirming these predictions, there is not a comparable capability to predict the Bikinians actions and reactions, and the extent of their comprehension of efforts to limit and control their radiation exposures is largely unknown. J It is, therefore, DOE's view, that at this time it is impractical to limit radiation exposures of Bikini Island residents so that current radiation standards can be met or ddvs for all individuals limited within a factor of two or three of the standards. Therefore, Bikini Island should not be used as a residence island. Foods, including coconuts, grown on Bikini Island should be con- demned for any use if Federal radiation standards are to be met. 4 ‘ Products of the coconut trees on Bikini Island should not be used for any purpose. 2. Can Eneu Island at Bikini Atoll be used as a village island? Answer: The most recent predictions of radiation doses for residents of Eneu Island indicate that both annual and 30-year radiation protection guidelines would be met for individuals who are exposed to external radiation on that island and who use foods grown on that island plus fish from the lagoon. Foods grown on Bikini Island must not be used. The prediction of the external radiation portion of total whole body dose for Eneu residents is well supported by extensive measurements made in 1975. Since a number of food items common to the diet such as pandanus, breadfruit, and garden crops were either not present or present only recently on Eneu for collection and analysis, current internal dose predictions are based upon best estimates of the radioactivity that will be found when these foods are grown on Eneu Island. Thus, the prediction of doses for radioactivity taken into the body is less certain than external doses and will continue to be so until such foods are grown in Eneu and collected YW for analysis. This is being done. A team of scientists is working this month to collect samples of crops from a garden on Eneu. MYhe most recent samples analyzed from Eneu are coconuts from 16 trees. The reported concentrations of cesium-137 are higher than predicted and higher than the average value used in the most recent dose assessments. Analysis of additional samples should provide the necessary data for internal radiation doses to be predicted with confidence. Preliminary results should be available in about 2 months. com7 yy:Cred) Te Tommy Mécraw, Acting Chief Surveillance Projects Branch DOE ARCHIVES