contain malignancy, and, while all reported evidence would suggest
that this single case from Utirik may have been the only “normal”
case of thyroid cancer,
it is difficult for the people to believe
this while they are aware of what happened on Rongelap.
Again,
misunderstanding resulting from poor communication and explanations
together with the general un-
persists in the minds of the people,
certainty about their future because of their exposure.
3.
The unexposed Rongelapese and Utirikese.
One of the neces-
sities in the examinations and studies carried out by the team is to
have a group of persons who are of similar background,
but not exposed to the fallout radiation of 1954,
age,
and sex
These people re-
present what is known in medical parlance as a “control” or “comparison"
group.
In laboratory experiments with rats, mice, guinea pigs or flies
there are usually two groups.
One group is exposed to a chemical or
other influencing agent, while the other “control” group is not.
studying both groups,
By
scientists can tell what specific effects the
influencing agent has had on the group experimented upon.
Ina similar
fashion, those Rongelapese and Utirikese who are examined and give blood
and urine samples, provide a group which the doctors can use in comparison with the exposed people,
It was this group which was the most
vocal in expressing dislike of the examinations.
They indicated that
they resented being examined and, in many cases, if such examinations
were to be continued in the future they should be compensated for them,
While the Committee can understand such a request,
its major concern
is that the people do not understand how their role as a control group
is helpful to their exposed brethren.
a Se
163
Again,
it is due to a lack of