Depression of blood elements was the most notable subsequent finding. White blood cells dropped to levels of about one fourth to one half normal by about six weeks followed by slow recovery. Platelet levels dropped to one eighth to one third normal levels by 30 days. In spite of the significant hematological depression no evidence of increase in infections or frank bleeding was noted. No special therapy was necessary. No deaths have occurred to date that could be unequivocally related to the radiation exposure. The next slide shows the percent depression of blood levels conpared to the comparison population. It can be seen that a slightly incomplete recovery of blood levels in the exposed people was noted for about 11 years after exposure. This may represent a slight residual damage to the bone marrow. Let us now review the acute effects of their exposure on the skin. The deposition of fallout material on exposed areas of the skin not covered by clothing resulted in itching and burning sensations during the first two days. Further symptomatology was not noted until about two weeks after the accident when skin lesions, so called "beta burns" appeared. The next few slides show examples of these burns and demonstrate the sequence of pigmentation, desquamation and repigmentation that occurred. these burns of the skin. healed rapidly. About 90% of the people had All but about 15% were superficial in nature and The deeper burns left some scarring and pigment aberrations which are still present today. Though a few benign moles have appeared recently in the areas of more severe burns, no evidence of any skin malignancy has been apparent. Internal absorption of radioactive material occurred in the Rongelap people as a result of their living in a contaminated environment for the two 90072490