ll. The Rongelapese have been given periodic medical
examinaticas.
The condition of the group two years after
the fallout was summarized as follows in the report of the
medical team which conducted the examinations:
"The medical survey of the Rongelap people two
years after exposure to fallout radiation shows that
the people appear to have been in a generally good
state of health and nutrition and are making satisfactory recovery from their radiation exposure.
Serious illness has occurred in two individuals but
neither these illnesses nor clinical findings in
other individuals can be attributed to radiation
effects.
One death in May 1956, that of a 46-year-
old Ronselap man, was due to hypertensive heart
disease.
Previous examinations had shown that the
disease was undoubtedly present at the time of
exposure to fallout radiation.
"There is evidence of continued improvement of
hemopoiesis.
The mean lymphocyte count is slightly
increased over the one-year levels, but is still
slightly below the mean control count.
The mean
platelet level is about the same as found at one
year after exposure and is still slightly below the
control level.
The mean neutrophile count at one
year after exposure had reached the control level.
The delay in complete recovery of lymphocytes and
platelets is similar to that reported in the twoyear follow-up studies of the Japanese casualties
of the atomic bombings.
Evidence from the Marshallese
experience indicates that the lowered levels of these
blood elements have not lowered the resistance of the
people to disease, and the present levels are not
considered to represent a serious condition.
"Residual changes in the skin from the beta
irradiation continue to show improvement.
Pigment
aberrations are still evident in 15 cases and in
four of these there is also scarring with some
adherence of the skin to the subcutaneous tissue.
However, there is no gross evidence of tissue
breakdown or malignant change in any of these lesions,
and surgical repair is not considered necessary at
this time.
Histological examination of skin biopsies
at sites of radiation lesions shows residual effects
of radiation damage, but no evidence or premalignant
or malignant changes.
"Ophthalmological survey reveals that there are no
radiation-induced lens opacities, and the incidence of
ocular lesions is similar in exposed and control
populations.
"The radiochemical analysis of the urine of the
Rongelap people shows measurable activity which is
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Appendix "E"