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TL
ICAL

ASPECTS

OF FALLOUT PROM

vO

1. Medical evaluation of personnel exposed to the radiation fros
fall~ont in case of BRAVO depends to a great extent upon the accuracy with
which dosage can be computed. Based upon extrapolation of fall-out tins
from Rongerik data where the fall-out time was precisely determined by
automatic recording instruments, it seams plansible to emelude, after
making allowance for factors giving naxiama values of time and intensity,

that personnel were not axposed to dosages mich higher than calenlated.
This is particalarly true inasmch as Rongerik calculations were in good
agreenent with observed film badge data on personne) there.
2.

The association of symptoms with a given dosage may lead to ex

roneous conclusions «ince such tabular relationships have been devised

only for whole body penetrating radiation given over a period of a feu

einutes.

It is now generally believed that the symptoas in those tabule-

~

tions will appear with a mnaller dose than indicated. ‘These personne) aay
develop signs ar syaptons out of proportion to what would have previously
bees axpected but could be sanewhat tempered by the relatively slow dose
race characteristic of fall-out.

3.

With respect to natives, due to the language difficulty, it was

extresely dozbdtful that information obtained by questioning would be re=

oo,

iiable.

he We may draw certain conclusions, however, which seem to be sound
concerning immediate prognosis based upon the doses believed te have bess
received.

5. Considering the personnel involved in exposure to radiation thay
can be grouped according to location:

a. Bongerik ~

wenty~eight Americans were exposed showing fila badge read-

ings ranging from 40 to 98 roentgens during a period of 28.5 to 35 hours.
They were evacuated to Kwajalein. . It was not expected that any of these
pen would develop any subjective symptoms. Ons admitted to feeling badly
until reassured after which he adritted that his feeling was probably

psychologied&.
tribution.

First blood counts taken on D plus 1 showed a normal aise

Generalised lose of hair which usually occurs after 10 days

with sufficient dosage was not expected and has not occurred to date.

Levels of pereomme) contamination were not exceedingly high and inassmach

as decontarination was performed on D plos 1, bete burns are unlikely.

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