56 status of the people in relation to that of the unexposed comparison population, particularlyin regard to any possible late developing effects of their ‘exposure, their hematological status, and the influence of the slightly contaminated environment on the assimilation, excretion, and body burden of radionuclides. . Medicalhistories of the intervals between the examinations in 1959 and 1960 were, for the most part, uneventful and revealed no major epidemics of disease. Several deaths had occurred and new births were reported. In the exposed group, two deaths occurred and in the unexposed group, three. Two ofthe latter were due to influenza ac- quired during an epidemic on Kwajalein. The four deaths that have occurred in the ex- posed people since exposure represent a mortality rate of 8.1 per 1000 population, compared with 8.3 for the comparison population and 6.8 for the Marshall Islands as a whole. A review ofthe birth rate of the exposed group over the past 6 years seemsto indicate no noticeable effect of their expo- sure on fertility. The 24 births represent a rate of 48 per 1000 population, compared with 37.3 for the Marshall Islands (1957). The 20 births over a 3-year period for the comparison population rep- resent a rate of 62 per 1000 population. A somewhat greater incidence of miscarriages and stillbirths has been noted in the exposed women, but because of the paucity of vital statistics in the Marshallese and the small numberof people involved, the data are not readily amenable to statistical analysis. Physical examinations showed the exposed and the unexposed people to be generallyin a state of good health. No diseases were noted that could be directly related to radiation effects. The incidence of various disorders in both adults and children was about the samein the exposed and unexposed groups. In connection with growth and developmentstudies, a project on the verification of accuracyof ages of the children has not been completed and, therefore, the suggestive evidence previously presented of possible lag in statural growth in the exposed A cardwovascular survey of the adults showed no outstanding differences between the eaposed and unexposed groups. The people appeared to have less hypertension on the whole than is noted in people in the continental United States. An arthritis survey showed nogreatdifferences between the exposed and the unexposed people, and about the same incidenceas is seen in American populations. An ophthalmological survey showed no remarkable differences between the exposed and unexposed groups except possibly a slightly greater number ofcases of pterygii, pingueculae, and corneal scars in the exposed group.It is not know whetherthis finding is of any significance in relation to their radiation exposure. Slit-lamp observations showed no opacities of the lens characteristic of radiation exposure. As a whole, visual and accomodation levels in the Marshallese appeared to be abovethe averagein the U.S. population. DOE ARCHIVES A dental survey showed no significant differences in either caries rate or incidence of peridontal disease between exposed and unexposed groups. The poor oral hygiene generally observed in the Marshallese had its usual results, namely, high caries rate in teen-age children, severe peridontallesions in adults (heavy calculus and loss of alveolar bone), and edentulous mouthsin the aged. Radia- tion exposure did not appearto have affected developing dentition in the exposed children. Late effects ofradiation. N’arious parameters usually associated with aging were measured orestimated on a Oto 44 scale (skin looseness, elasticity, and senile changes; greying of the hair and balding; accomodation, visual acuity, and arcussenilis; hearing; cardiovascular changes including blood pressure and degrees of peripheral and retinal arteriosclerosis; neuromuscular function; and hand strength). Comparison of these measurements in exposed and unexposed individuals of the same age groups showed no apparentdifferences. A biological age score was calculated for indiviuals and groups byuse of an average percentagescore. Life shortening effects of radiation have not been apparent. As noted, the mortality rate was about children must await confirmation. It was noted, the same in the exposed as in the unexposed group, three boys and one girl out of five bovs and two girls in the exposed group exhibited significantly retarded skeletal maturation as judged by The one case of cancer that developed in the exposed group occurred at 5 years after exposure, too soon, it is believed, to bear anyparticular rela- dren seemedto befairly well established. cluding physical findings, studies of white cell however, that in the 6-year chronological age X-ray examination. The birth dates of these chil- people. tion to radiation exposure. Leuhemra surveys in- b? ce ee ee eet