diation effecis from this source will occur. tila) cat 6.2 we ae aahaad The radioactivity in the urine of the exposed individuals had decreased rapidly with time and was barely detectable at 6 months. This rate of elimination, ccupled with the initial esti- mates of a low degree of internal contamination,’ minimizes the possibility that chronic irra- CONCLUSIONS Re-examination of the Rongelap and Ailinginae people 6 months after exposureto fallout radiation revealed the following: 1, Skin lesions were completely healed, and only a few hyperpigmented or depigmented scarred areas remained at the sites of the most severe early lesions. There was no evidence of secondary breakdown of any lesions. 2. Regrowth of hair was essentially complete. No changes in hair color or texture were " « noted. $. Residual bluish-brown discoloration of the fingernails was observed in three individuals. 4. No other findings on physical examination or X-ray examination of the chest were aseribable to radiation exposure. : 5. The total white, neutrophile, lymphocyte, and platelet counts ~emained depressed below control levels. 6. No significant abnormalities were detected in bone marrow sa-nples aspirated from 22 exposed and 20 control individuals. %. Minimal amounts of residual gross beta activity were detectable in the urine ‘of approximately one-third of the exposed individuals. . 6.8 RECOMMENDATIONS - SO oo? It is recommended that the following procedures be considered for future medical resurveys: (1) complete serological studies on all exposed and control individuals, (2) stool examina- tions for parasites, and (3) complete ophthalmological examinations with photdzgraphs of lenses. A.so, when additional X-ray pictures are contemplated, consideration should be given to including a portable X-ray machine in the equipment. The machine at the Majuro hospital at present is old and badly in need of repairs. In summary, information of considerable importance can be obtained by continued observation of the exposed Marshallese people; however, possible late effects cannot be properly evaluated in the absence of an adequate control population. The lack of suitable controls in the Nagasaki-Hiroshima data has been a most serious difficulty in evaluating changes that have appeared, During the present resurvey a control population thought to be adequate was estab- lished and examined. It is strongly recommendedthat consideration be given to the adequacy of this population and, if it is felt to be adequate, that measures be taken to eneure continued observation of the control individuals. Consultation with Dr. Hardin Jones in relation to radia- tion and longevity is recommended. REFERENCE 1. E. P. Cronkite et al., Study of Response of Human Beings Accidentally Exposed to Significant Fallout Radiation, Operation Castle final report of Project 4.1. Lo 37 . .