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ICAL ASPECTS OF FALL~OUT PROM BRAVO
1. Medical evaluation of personnel exposed to the radiation from
fall~out in case of BRAVO depends to a great extent upon the accuracy with
which dosage can be computed. Based upon axtrapolation of fall-out tins
from Bongerik data where the fall-out time was precisely determined by
automstic recording instruments, it seams plausible to eanclude, after
making allowance for factors giving maxiamm values of time and imensity,
that personnel were not exposed to dosages mich higher than calenlated,

This is particclarly true inaamch as Rongerik calculations were in good
agreement with observed film badge data on personnel there.

2e

The association of symptoms with a given dosage may lead to er=

roneous conclusions aince such tabular relationships have been devised

on

only for whole body penetrating radiation given over a period of a few
winutes. It is now generally believed that the symptoms in those tabuletions will appear with a mmaller dose than indicated. ‘These personnel may

develop signs or syuptoms out of proportion to what would have previoualy
been expected but could be sanewhat tempered by the relatively slow dose
rate characteristic of fall-out.
3-

With respect to natives, due to the language difficulty, it was

extremely doubtful that information obtained by questioning would be re=
liable.

he

We may draw certain conclusions, however, which seem to be sound

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concerning immediate prognosis based upon the doses believed to have been

received.

5.

Considering the personne] involved in exposure to radiation thay

can be grouped according to location:
a&

Bonge

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Twenty-eight Americans were exposed showing film badge read-

ings ranging from 40 to 96 roentgens during a period of 28.5 to 35 hours.
They were evacuated to Kwajalein. It was not expected that any of these

men would develop any subjective symptoms.

Ons admitted to feeling badly

until reassured after which he adritted that his feeling was probably

psychologic#&. First blood counts taken on D plus 1 showed a normal eistribution. Generalized loss of hair waitedapoallyoccurs after 10Gays

with sufficient dosage was not expected

not

occurred

ee

Levels of persome]l contamination were not exceedingly high and inasmch

as deconterination was performed on D plas 1, bete burns are unlikely.

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