~he
reported in these studies,
the
ineidence of thyroid abnormalities appears to
be hipher fn this proap than would be expected.
However, dose cateulatious
ta
the Marshallese are subject to considerable uncertainty, and variability of
dose among the exposed people must have been marked,
A reevaluation of the
thyroid doses will be undertaken in the near future based on more precise
information regarding urinary iodine excretion in the Marshallese.
As a result of the present findings,
upwards the seriousness of the
it will be necessary to revise
internal hazard associated with fallout,
Secondly, it has become increasingly evident that late effects of radiation
of the thyroid gland,
(neoplasias, hypothyroidism) are much more common sequelae
than had been previously supposed.
The high incidence of thyroid lesions in
the Marshallese emphasizes the caution with which radiation must be used clinically,
particularly in regard to the use of radioiodine in children,
Robert A, Conard, M.D.
Chief, Marshall Island Medical Surveys
Medical Research Center
Brookhaven National Laboratory
mb