Platelets fell to about 30 percent of the control values by the fourth week. By six
months, they had reached 70 percent of controls; atone year the mean platelet count was
still below that of the control popuiation but was slightly higher than at the six-month
survey.
The depression of blood elements in the Ailignae group was similar to that in the
Rongelap group except that it was less marked.
Changes in the hematocrit were not remarkable in either of the two groups.
b) Beta Irradiation of the Skin.
No accurate estimate of the radiation dose to the
skin could be made. Spotty lesions of the skin and epilation began to develop about
two weeks aiter exposure. The lesions occurred largely on parts of the body not covered by clothing. Most of the lesions were superficial, they exhibited pigmentation
and dry, scaly desquamation, and were associated with little pain. Rapid healing and
repigmentation followed. Some lesions were deeper, exhibited wet desquamation, and
were more painful; a few became secondarily infected. Repigmentation gradually took
place in most lesions and some of the healing lesions, particularly on the back of the
neck, developed hyperpigmentation of a grayish, dusky color and a thickening of the
skin with “orange -peel" appearance. By one year, however, this type of pigmentation
had been greatly reduced, Deeper lesions on the dorsum of the feet continued to show
lack of repigmentation, with scarring in some cases, at one year. Histopathological
studies of the skin showed changes consistent with radiation damage. A common finding was spotty transepidermal damage accompanied by atrophy and flattening of the
rete pegs, with areas of relatively normal skin between. The dermis was much less
affected than the epidermis. Biopsies taken at six months showed considerable improvement but some persisting changes.
Pigmentation of the semilunar area of the fingernails and toenails was observed in
about 90 percent of the people about three weeks after exposure. By six months, this
pigmentation had largely grown out with the nail and had disappeared in most cases,
c) Internal Irradiation. Radiochemical analysis of numerous urine samples of the
exposed personnel showed some degree of internal adsorption of radioactive materials, probably through eating and drinking contaminated food and water. Calculations
of the body burden of these materials, however, showed that the concentration was too
low to cause any serious effect, Analysis of urine samples at six months after exposure showed only barely detectable radioactivity present in some cases.
Clinical observations revealed that aside from skin lesions, loss of hair, and
early symptoms, no other symptoms or disease processes had been encountered which
could be attributed to radiation effects. There had been no deaths, and the diseases
encountered had been no more severe or frequent than in the nonirradiated population.
This was true even during the period of the greatest depression of peripheral blood
elements.
It was difficult to evaluate the effects on fertility; however, a number of
apparently normal babies had been born and further pregnancies had occurred. Ophthalmascopic examinations, including slit lamp observations, were made initially and
at one year postexposure. No opacities of the lens or other eye changes were found
that could be attributed to radiation.
Procedures
The 82 Rongelap and Ailingnae people, plus nine babies born since the accident,
were examined. Of the 82 controls from Rita Village on Majuro examined during the
six-month follow-up study, 57 were available and were re-examined.
Physical examinations were performed and interval histories were taken on all
persons. Examinations included pelvic examination of all women and rectal examination when indicated. Height and weight were recorded for all persons and special
growth and development measurements of children were taken as in the past.