ENVIRONMENT predicted integral doses at Enjebi Island over 30- and 50-yr periods. The 30-yr dosesare at or above the Federal guideline (5 rem whole- body dose) when imported foods are unavailable. As a result of these findings, the U.S. Government has recommendedthat there be no immediate resettlement of the northem islands. It has been estimated! that the predicted doses for Enjebi Island would result in an increase of less than 0.5 case of cancer over the 75 cases expected naturally among the returning population. As for genetic defects, an increase of about 0.1 case over the 107 occurring naturally per 1000 births is expected. After comparing these risks to those that they face living on an outeratoll (typhoons,lack of medical care, sharks, etc.), the people of Enewetak wish to return to Enjebi Island. The maximum annual dose tates and 30-yr integral doses predicted for future residents of Bikini and Eneu Islands in the Bikini Atoll are given in Tables 3 and 4. Higher concentrations of cesium-137 and strontium-90 at Bikini Island lead to doses that exceed the Federal short- and longrange guidelines. However, the predicted Eneu doses are below current federal quidelines, and the people want to returm to that island. Summary Our dose assessments in the Marshall Islands must be as accurate as possible to protect the ee ee S008 G5| — * _ — people from any unnecessary exposure. At the same time, we must not seriously overestimate risks that would be otherwise acceptable to people seeking to return to their home atolls. To this end, we are continuing to improve data on which the assessments are based and to make the assessments more precise. Key words: Bikini Atoll; Enewetak Atoll; Marshall Islands; plants—radioisotope uptake; radioactive contamination. Notes and references 1. M. A. Bender and A. B. Brill, Assessment of Radiation Health Effects of the Resettlement of Enewetak Atoll, National Cytogenetics, Inc., Valentine Road, Shoreham, New York (October 1979). 2. The Eneweiak Atoll Today, U.S. Department of Energy {September 1979).