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November 3, 1978
BRIEF REVIEW
‘RADIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN THE MARSHALL ISLANDS
a.
Backpround
In 1945 the decision was made by the President to conduct
U.S. nuclear explosives tests in the Northern Marshalls.
One hundred sixty-six Bikinians and one hundred thirty-six
Fnewetakese were moved from their home atolls.
Twenty-three
nuclear tests were conducted at Bikini and forty-three at
Enewetak between 1946 and 195&.
All tests were conducted
by a joint military/civilian task force that reported to the
Department of Defense and the Atomic Energy Commission.
The
nuclear detonations left a legacy of contaminated islands
and the people of nearby Rongelap and Utirik Atolls were left
with both prompt and delayed injuries.
Radioactive contamina-
. tion in soils and sediments is being taken up by plants and
animals used for food. With current cleanup technology, part
but not all of this contamination can be removed for disposal.
Current Conditions
Bikini
Responding to an inquiry from the Secretary of Interior as to
whether or not the Bikinians could return home, the AEC con-
ducted a radiation survey of Bikini Atoll in 1967.
A panel
of radiation and medical experts was appointed to evaluate the
return of the people.
Their judgement was that the people
could return if certain precautions were taken.
These recommended
precautions included cleanup of contaminated debris, restrictions
on use of land and local foods, and conduct of a followup radiological monitoring program.
The first houses and food crops
were to be placed on Eneu Island, the second largest (and one of
the least contaminated) islands.- The Bikinians later objected
and wanted houses on Bikini Island instead where all had land
rights and where all would benefit equally.
Subsequently, 43
houses were built on Bikini Island and 85,000 coconut trees
were planted on Bikini and Emneu Islands.
Following cleanup
conducted jointly by the Department of Defense and AEC in 1969,
and agricultural rehabilitation and housing construction by
DOI in the 1970 to 1974 period, a number of families moved to
Bikini Island —
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