B.

Issues

1.

It is medically impossible to distinguish in any par ticular individual whether a disease complex or symptom is radia tion related
or not.

Epidemiological studies over time on groups of people

can establish increased incidences of particular pro lems, but
this evidence is not particularly helpful in decidin

specific

causation in any individual.

The peoples of Bikini, Enewetok, Rongelap and Utiri

are now liv-

ing on approximately one half of the 26 atolls/islan s in the
Marshalls.

This migration and resulting intermarryi g is rapidly

spreading those individuals with "direct" radiation

ffects through-

out the Marshalls.

e large pop-

With the groups resident among

ulations on Majuro and Ebeye, well over 75% of the

tal Marshail-

ese population has people from the four affected at

Ts living

among them.

pretation

This means that even the narrowest int

of P. L. 96-205 will require health care to be provi ed far beyond the four atolls themselves.

Preferential treatment for those individuals with " irect" effects
will tend to continue the arguments of those not in

uded that

they were also affected.

ople on ships

The anecdotal stories of

in the fallout area who should be included, as well

s other groups,

already abound.

ese numer-

It appears that the refutation of

ous claims may require considerable energy and cost in the future,
if the advantage of inclusion is significant.
The indirect effects are also a matter of considerab te discussion.

Foodstuffs from affected atolls are shipped elsewhe

» fish and

other sealife may carry radiation from one area to

other, sec-

ond and third generation offspring of affected peop

may have

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