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by the more heavily exposed 64 people of Rongelap was not lethal, since no
deaths have occurred in the group that appeared to be related to their exposure,
In spite of some early loss of weight in a number of the group, and the
depression of their blood elements, none showed any signs of illness, infections,
or bleeding that might be related to the penetrating gamma effect, and no
special therapy was necessary. The "beta burns" healed within several months
without complications, though residual pigmentation changes and scarring remain
in some cases, The hair regrew by six months, Radiochemical urine analyses
showed that probably only isotopes of radioiodine exceeded the maximum permissible levels during the first two days, Rapid excretion of the radionuclides
occurred, the levels not being distinguishable from the nonexposed Marshallese
by two years after exposure, Subsequent return to their home island resulted
in slight increases in body burdens of radionuclides, but the levels attained
have remained far below the stated maximum permissible levels, During the first
five years after exposure, a somewhat higher incidence of miscarriages and
stillbirths were noted in the exposed women, Effects believed to be related to
radiation exposure were the slightly retarded growth and development in some
of the exposed children, and thyroid nodules detected in 1963 and 1964, These
findings will be discussed later in the report, Fertility did not appear to
be significantly impaired, since the birth rate in the exposed group has been
comparable to that of the comparison population, Mortality in the exposed
group remained about the same as the comparison population, and no evidence
of premature aging was recognized, and no leukemia developed, Two deaths from
cancer in older exposed women have occurred, The first at five years post
exposure--too early it is believed to be related to radiation exposure--and
the second at eight years post exposure, One control woman is believed to
have died with cancer of the cervix, No skin malignancies have been noted as
a sequelae to "beta burns," but there appears to be an increase in the number
of pigmented nevi in the beta irradiated skin areas,

No specific genetic

studies have been carried out, but no increase in congenital malformations has
been noted in the children of exposed parents.
THE 1965 SURVEY
The survey team consisted of 12 physicians and technicians from the
United States and 6 from the Trust Territory.
Examinations were carried out on 73 Rongelap people in the exposed group,
48 children of exposed parent(s) and 193 unexposed Rongelap people (adults and
children) comprising the comparison population.

A Trust Territory cargo ship

“48 Used to transport part of the team and equipment between Rongelap and

Xwajalein,

In addition, air support was furnished by the Search and Rescue

vetachment, U.S, Navy, stationed at Kwajalein,

500 uu 19

The team lived ashore at

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