BACKGROUND " “In August 1978 the residents of Bikini Island left their Atoll because measurements of radiocesium made in April 1978 showed accumulations in the bodies of 13 out of 101 people such that if this level were maintained for one year, it would result in an annual radiation dose equal to or greater than the 590 mrem/yr federal radiation protection criteria for exposure of individuals. The dose rate might have increased further had those people continued to live on Bikini Island. At that time the question was raised about whether or not the Bikini people could relocate on Eneu Island. Information then available on the radionuclide content of test plantings of food crops on Eneu was inadequate, and there were insufficient’ samples of coconuts grown on Eneu Island to answer the ‘question. In the Congressional Committee hearings’ held on July 25, 1978, it was agreed that priority would be given to collecting and analyzing available data to update radiation exposure estimates for use by those who are considering whether the Bikini people should return to live on Eneu Island. In early 1979, new information was obtained so that dose predictions for residence on Eneu Island could, for the first time, be based upon data from analysis of actual food items of the diet grown on the island rather than on theoretical predictions derived from soil concentrations. RADIATION SOURCES People living on Eneu Island receive radiation exposure from two sources: 1) external irradiation from natural background radiation StradaoaPe . . + ous Interior and Related Agencies Subcommittee, Committee on Appropriations, House of Representatives. ‘