on the isolated island of Kili in the southern Marshalls. Thus, from March 1948 onwards the main body of the people of Bikini have lived well outside the low level fallout zone of the nuclear tests. No radiological monitoring or medical examinations were conducted on any Bikinians until the early 1970's after a small group returned to Bikini Island. The group, at first consisting of workers, then expanding to family groups, periodically was ae nt peo medically monitored. fee, . . iat thauuuphen ~“ These 145 residents were evacuated from Bikini Island in late August 1978. Some of this group have’ been given follow up monitoring examinations since the August 1978 removal. Today, there are over 900 Bikinians. Some 500 or so reside on Kili Island, another 140 live on Ejit Island near Majuro, some 100 or so live in Majuro and another 100 or so live on Ebeye. Small numbers are scattered in other parts of the Marshalls. In 1969, after certain parts of Bikini Atoll were considered safe for resettlement, to Bikini Island. small numbers of Bikinians began to return The first returnees, as noted above, were workers in the cleanup and rehabilitation program started in 1970. Gradually, oft In April 1978, some 99 of the 145 residents"; /. /,- on Bikini island had whole body count examinations as well as medical examinations. oe we family members joined the workers and by the mid-1970's some 60 or so Bikinians were in resident on Bikini Island. 1978, the grup had grown to 145 individuals. By It was this group that was evacuated from Bikini Island in late August 1978 when , r “body burden levels" exceeded acceptable standards. Cesium 137 1 hawuoni