21
Sacraductiom
Ween Tee Param groups were tirt wen at
Kwajslem after everustien from their native
atalla, the amount of radiation they had recorved was nat known with certainty. It wes
known, however, fram instrument readings
taben at the sites of the fallowt and from nemi-
tering all individuala, that a significant amee::t
of peactrating irradiation to the entire body
had bern received and that extensive contaminstren of the skin and posible internal depositren of radinactive materials had ocrurred. The
nature of the irradiating material and the cir-
shin tenons, eprintinn, granulurytnprnss sad
thrambersinpenie. The shin enone were tent
cteerved between the ith and 1th pret-cape
sure days, Therur irons were mont provelent
in Ciroupe | and [0 but were prearnt to 2 slight
extent in Groep LIT. Details of the shm symptoms and fences aad their treatment are re
ported in Chapter 3. Details of hematolagr
studive are prevented in Chapter [V. (iranekeytopenia and thromborytopenia of marbed
degree developed in many individuals of Girnup=
not have been possible to predict the biological
I and I] and was of sufficient severity to warrant sericus consideration of prophylectir and
therapeutic measures for potential sequelae of
these cellular defirienries.
In view of the conflicting opinions show the
snot known. Accordingly, a complete medica!
such as antibiatics and «hole blumd transfeionn
commfances of exposere prevented a precise
evaization of dmage (sre introduction). Even
if the preciss dose had been known it would
effects since the quantitative response of man
history and physical examination was obtained
«om each individual and numerous follow-up
examinations were carmed out. In additiun,
routine sck-call was held twice daily and inspetion of the shun of all individuals was made
at frequent intervals,
Medical care was avail-
able at all times. Hanpital facilities were avail-
able at the Kwajalein Naval Dispensary. and
support by the more extensive medical facilities
of the U.S. Pacitic Fleet had been promixed
f needed.
From dearriptions of the amount of fallout
material and from radivectivity measurements,
it was apparent that Giroup f ¢ Rongelap) had
received the highest dewes of radiation, Giroup
Tf (Ailinginae) and Ciroup TE ( Americans)
value of prophylactic amd therapeutic meresures
in the treatment of radiation dimpase (1-5), 1t
wan decided that therapy would be insiteted
only as indicated clinically for specifir conditions as they arune. In order to determine the
effect of the internal depauthm of radiwertive
material on the course of the externally induced
radiation injury, it was necewary to determine
the degree of internal radioactive contamimatien. Pletails of the measurement of internal
depmution of radionuclides are considered in
Chapter V.
It is sufficient to state here that the
contribution from the internally deposited
radhonuclides to the total acute dow was
neignitieant.
an intermediate amount and Giroup LV ( Utirik)
2.2
mately 175 r of gamma radiation: Giroup U1,
Sevraat Svsprows Tat developed dunng the
The most serious clinical and laboratory manifeatations of irradiation appeared in Group I
and I]. The only abnormalities that could be
There symptums were aworiated with the skin
the least. From physical dosimetry it was later
estimated that Giroup | had received approxi69 or: Group TLL, 1 6: and Group IV. 14 r.
attributed with certainty to irradiation were
Symptoms and Signs Related to
Radiation Injury
fire two days coukl be attnbuted to radiation.
and the gastromtestinal tract.
ftching and burning of the skin oceurred 1...
2 pervent of Group | ( Rongelap), 2) percent
oy
15