-22- skin from fallout became apparent(even though a sublethal dose of radiation was received). However, the skin effects are less serious than those produced by whole body gamma radiation. Burns from beta radiation are spotty and more superficial than those produced by more penetrating radiations. Consequently they are generally less painful and heal more rapidly with fewer complications. Early irritation of the eyes and skin from fallout and belated developments of symptomatology associated with the beta burns may not only be annoying but disabling, and may complicate the course of the acute radiation syndrome. . From the Marshallese experience the importance of protective measures (taking shelter, covering of the skin by clothing, and prompt cleansing of the skin) were obvious. There is no special treatment for beta burns and the usual measures taken in the treatment of ordinary radiation or thermal burns proved satisfactory. It is encouraging that radiochemical urine analyses showed rapid elimination of the internally absorbed radionuclides, with barely detectable levels by 6 months. The particle sizes of the fallout material were too large for optimal alveolar absorption from inhalation and the major absorption occurred in the G.I. Tract after the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Though no obvious acute effects were associated with internally absorbed radionuclides in the Marshallese, the late effects of radioiodine absorption proved to be far more serious than had been anticipated. The internal hazard could have been largely avoided by consuming food and water which had been protected from fallout contamination (canned goods, etc.). Certain chelating agents and chemical compounds such as EDTA and zirconium citrate have shown some ability to accelerate the removal of internal emitters, but it is doubtful that the use of such agents would be feasible in the acute period following a nuclear bomb attack. 90813149 It seems