The island groups were evacuated two days after the accident and received extensive medical examinations over a three months period. The American servicemen, who had been exposed at Rongerik Island, were then returned to their duty stations and the people of Utirik Atoll were returned to their home island. Because Rongelap was too highly contaminated, the people were moved to a temporary home (Majuro Atoll) until 1957, by which time radioactive levels on Rongelap had become acceptable for habitation, a new village was constructed for them and they were returned home (Fig. 2). The low levels of body burdens of radionuclides acquired by the people subsequent to their return to Rongelap will be discussed in Chapter 11. 12.3. Characteristics of Fallout Material The chemical and physical makeup as well as the radiation characteristics of fallout will vary according to such conditions as the size of the weapon, height of burst and type of terrain or soil over which the detonation occurs. All fallout is particulate in nature, but the size, color and other characteristics of the particle will depend to some extent upon the chemical and physical properties of the soil. In the Marshall Island accident where the nuclear device was detonated near the ground, the fallout was a white powdery material largely composed of incinerated coral. The bulk of the radioactivity resided as insoluble oxides on particles of CaO of Ca(OH)... particles. A large amount of activity was also carried on NaCcl Aside from the radioactive component, the calcium oxide in the meter‘... was in itself irritating to the skin due to its caustic nature. 5901300 Fallout produced