The radioactivity in the urine of the exposed individuals had decreased rapidly with time
and was barely detectable at 6 months. This rate of elimination, coupled with the initial estimates of a low degree of internal contamination,’ minimizes the possibility that chronic irradiation effects from this source will occur.
wh
6.2
CONCLUSIONS
Re~-examination of the Rongelap and Ailinginae people 6 months after exposureto fallout
radiation revealed the following:
1. Skin lesions were completely healed, and only a few hyperpigmented or depigmented
scarred areas remained at the sites of the most severe early lesions. There was no evidence
of secondary breakdownof any lesions.
2. Regrowth of hair was essentially complete. No changes in hair color or texture were
noted.
3. Residual bluish-brown discoloration of the fingernails was observed in three individ-
uals.
4, No other findings on physical examination or X-ray examination of the chest were as-
cribable to radiation exposure.
5. The total white, neutrophile, lymphocyte, and platelet counts remained depressed below
control levels.
6. No significant abnormalities were detected in bone marrow samples aspirated from 22
exposed and 20 control individuals.
7. Minimal amounts of residual gross beta activity were detectable in the urine of approximately one-third of the exposed individuals.
6.3
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended that the following procedures be considered for future medical resur-
veys: (1) complete serological studies on all exposed and control individuals, (2) stool examinations for parasites, and (3) complete ophthalmological examinations with photographsof lenses.
Also, when additional X-ray pictures are contemplated, consideration should be given to
including a portable X-ray machine in the equipment. The machine at the Majuro hospital at
present is old and badly in need of repairs.
In summary, information of considerable importance can be obtained by continued obser-
vation of the exposed Marshallese people; however, possible late effects cannot be properly
evaluated in the absence of an adequate control population. The lack of suitable controls in the
Nagasaki-Hiroshima data has been a most serious difficulty in evaluating changes that have
appeared. During the present resurvey a control population thought to be adequate was established and examined. It is strongly recommended that consideration be given to the adequacy
of this population and, if it is felt to be adequate, that measures be taken to ensure continued
observation of the control individuals. Consultation with Dr. Hardin Jones in relation to radiation and longevity is recommended.
REFERENCE
1. E. P. Cronkite et al., Study of Response of Human Beings Accidentally Exposedto Significant Fallout Radiation, Operation Castle final report of Project 4.1.
37