1.

METHOD OF EXAMINATION OF THE PEOPLE OF RONGELAP AND

MEDICAL TEAM
The annual examination of the exposed people of Rongelap
and Utirik Atolls is considered adequate for the detection
of radiation-induced diseases, the result of fallout
exposure in March 1954.
This method of examination has
detected serious thyroid abnormalities in 21 Marshallese

in the past and resulted in the discovery of two additional

cases at this most recent examination.
The first case of
acute myelogenous leukemia was discovered at this examination
and the patient taken to the Hospital of the Medical Research
Center at Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, New York,
and subsequently transferred to the National Institutes of
Health, Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, for
observation and treatment.

Examinations performed by the Brookhaven National Laboratory
Medical Team are considered technically adequate for its
purpose.

The history and physical examinations are performed

under difficult circumstances on the islands with the lack of
any facilities on Utirik compounding the problem. The permanent facilities available in the trailers on Rongelap are

much more adequate for the examinations.

The blood and urine

tests performed by the American and Marshallese technicians
are adequate and accurate.
Additional examinations not
related to radiation-induced disease could be added as clini-

cally indicated.

In regard to the treatment of radiation-

induced disease and, in particular, the thyroid abnormalities
occurring in exposed persons who were under the age of 10 at

exposure, all available records indicate the treatment to

have been excellent.

The surgical care rendered to these

individuals in Guam, Hawaii, and the United States is

comparable to the best afforded in this country.

An annual medical examination with diagnosis and treatment
of diseases endemic to the Marshall Islands not related to
radiation is inadequate to protect the health of the people.
Much more medical training of the Trust Territory Health

Aides with standardization of the facility, surgical supplies,

and medications is necessary before much improvement is to be

expected.
Frequent visits by Medical Officers of the District
Headquarters are imperative.

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