TIE

Human Health Effects from Energy

BUDGET AND REPORTING CODE

Generation:
Medical Studies of the
People of the Marshail Islands
Accidentally Exposed to Fallout
CONTRACTOR NAME

CODE

Associated Universities, inc.

20f.

DATE PREPARED

HA-02-01]-01

03/31/80

WP NUMBER

TASK NO.

REV. NO.

BNL

0

Technical Progress cont.

Expected Progress in BY-2 (FY 1980) cont.
During FY 1980 all research records are being reviewed and condensed for
transfer to microfiche and finally for computerization.
This process requires

restructuring the charts in a problem-oriented format to provide the structure

necessary for flexible clinical and research utilization in a computerized format.

During the last two surveys of FY 1979 there was an obligation to examine
and care for the people of Bikini. This endeavor greatly expanded the patient

load without supplemental funding, and 1t 1s anticipated that continuation of
these examinations will be required.
Funding, responsibility, and authority for

this activity has been under discussion at the Department of Interior and the

Department of Energy for a number of months but the problem remains unresolved.
In addition, if the Likiep survey reveals an increased incidence of thyroid
pathology, as is suspected, a medical survey of that island and possibly of Wotje,

Alluk, and Mejit may be required.

If these incremental increases occur, the study

population would be more than tripled.

Emphasis on health and radiation education will be continued and increased
to place radiation in its proper perspective in a matrix of health risk for the
Marshallese. Continued monitoring of all populations determined to be at
increased risk from radiation-induced diseases will continue,

focusing primarily

on

and colon using

the

thyroid,

hematopoietic

system,

breast,

lung,

stomach,

Sultable screening tests.
Expected Progress in BY-l (FY 1981).
In view of

the serious late effects of fallout exposure,

continued medical

surveillance of the exposed populations is mandatory as the studies are still in
the latent period of a number of significant carcinomas.
Special examinations for

the thyroid abnormalities, as well as for neoplasia of other organs and tissues
and other late effects must be continued.
In light of the recent renewal of
interest of long term effects of “Low level" radiation, the data from this study,
even though the population is small, should serve as one of the longest prospective studies of the effects of both acute high level and long term low level
external and internal radiation.
Other studies to be pursued include:
a) thyroid
comparison studies--it is hoped that the Department of Energy funds will continue
to be approved for carrying out thyroid surgery in the United States on unexposed
Rongelap and Utirik people in thé‘extended comparison study where such surgery is
indicated; b) reevaluation of dosimetry of the Utirik people, including thyroid
doses;

c)

include

study of

the nature and

trace element

analysis

of

the

treatment of diabetes

the people and

the

in Marshallese

echosystem;

d)

ta

studies with

Dr. Raymond A. Popp of Oak Ridge (for frequency of isolucine substitution in

hemoglobin of Marshallese blood as.an index of somatic mutations associated with

radiation exposure and aging; e) studies of polymorphism and rare protein variance
in the blood cells of children of exposed and unexposed parents~--Dr. James V.

Neel at the University of Michigan has expanded his battery of tests
variants

and has

agreed

to continue

these

studies

for these

on Marshallese children;

and

f)

MAO L=j}4

Select target paragraph3