k, Q. WHAT ABOUT THE RATE OF ACCUMULATION OF RADIATION EXPOSURE? The rate for external rediation will be higher in the first few years but will decline steadily with time. Initially the accumulation will be about twice that for the average person in the U. Ss. Reduction to the U. S. average will occur in about 30 to 50 years. When the Bikini people first return, the doses to whole body from external and from internal radioactivity will be about equal. When more of the locally produced foods such as Pandanus begin to become available, the contribution from internal radioactivity may increase. “The recommendations of the Committee . of experts are intended to insure that such exposures in the future remain within an acceptable range. WHERE DOES THE ‘RADIATION IN THE ATOLL COR FROM? Primarily from radionuclides in soil.: Tne levels vary considerably from one island to another. It is for this reasonthat Eneu and Bikini were suggested as village sites since these two islands have lower levels. WHY ARE THE ISLANDS NOW CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE FOR HABITATION WHEN THEY WEREN'T SOME YEARS AGO? Radioactivity decreases with the passage of time. nuclides disappear faster than others. Some radio- Altogether it is ‘a con-~ bination of the passage of vine and the work of nature in’ a@iffusirg and dispersing the rediorucliges., Readings teken in 1964, for instance, were higher than those of 1967. Ba sy 308 POT" 2360