A RADIOLOGICAL STUDY OF RONGELAP ATOLL, MARSHALL
ISLANDS DURING 1954-1955
Introduction
The program of study of the Applied Fisheries Laboratory,
University of Washington, (Program 19.1 of Operation Castle) was
outlined in the Laboratory's report UWFL-36.
This program involved
detailed studies of radiological contamination of the fauna and
flora of Eniwetok Atoll, with exploratory trips to Bikini Atoll on
a quarterly basis to ascertain the levels of radiation remaining
during the year following the test program.
.
The unexpected pattern and magnitude of the fallout of
radioactive matertcls from the March 1, 1954 experiment introduced
the need for new areas of study over and above the planned pro-
gram.
One such area was Rongelap Atoll where the fallout resulted
in the evacuation of the native people.
On March 21, 1954, the Laboratory recieved a request from
Dr. Paul B. Pearson, AEC Division of Biology and Medicine, to
make a survey of the islands at Rongelap Atoll to determine the
extent of radiological contamination of the native foods.
The expedition to Rongelap, in response to this request,
was organized by Task Group 7.1, with transportation and support
provided by the USS Nicholas (D D E 449).
Members of Program
19.1 were Lauren R. Donaldson, Charles M. Barnes, Edward E. Held,
Ralph F, Palumbo and Paul R. Olson.
Thomas Shipman, Thomas N.
White, P. R, Schivone and W. W. Robbins accompanied the expedition to aid the natives in capturing some of their animals on
Rongelap Island and to make radiation readings on some of the
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