ABSTRACT
The Department of Energy (DOE) has concluded that the Bikini
atoll is unsafe for resettlement. ‘ In response to the Bikiniansl
we have examined the following
request for an independent review,
ME findings: (a) radionuclide contamination of Eneu and Bikini
Islands, (b) radiation dosage to those who might resettle the
islands, and (c) risks to the health of such settlers.
We are in practical agreement with the DOE estimates.
Resettlement of eikher island in 1983 would lead to a range of
annual or 30-year cumulative doses that exceed the Federal
Radiation Council (FRC) guides for the general population, but not
those for occupation exposure.
By 2013 resettlement of Eneu
probably would be permissible.
The principal source of radiation dose is local food,
especially coconut, owing to contamination of the soil by
cesium-137. A precise estimate of dose is impossible because an
The availability
accurate projection of the diet is impossible.
of imported foods would lessen local food consumption~ but not
sufficiently to meet the F’RC guides for the general population.
The 30-year cumulative index dose is 61 (25-122) rem for Bikini,
and about 8 (3-16) rem for Eneu.
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