MEDICAL SURVEY REPORT TO THR UNITED NATIONS' GROUP
ON THE STATUS OF THB ROUIRLAP PROPLE
Majuro, M.J., March 1956
On March 1, 1954, following experimental detonation of a thermo-
nuclear device in the Pacific, several inhabited islands were accidentally
irradiated with fallout. This was the same accident in which the Japanese
fisherman were irradiated. The fallout material, a white powdery material,
fell most heavily on Hongelap atoll, about 100 miles from the detonation
and to a lesser extent on islands further avay. The people on these
islands were irradiated from the fallout by three routes: 1. Penetrating
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occurred from ingesting of contaminated food and brea’
in fallout
The island groups and extent of involvement was as follows:
D
*
ESTIMATED
DEGREE OF
o GROUP
PERSONS INVOLVED
PENETHATING DOSE
SKIN CONTAMINATION
a
64 Marshallese
175 roentgens
Extensive
18 Marshallese
69 roentgens
.
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radiation (gamma) from the ground, trees and houses, resulted in
body irradiation; 2. Skin contamination, with fallout resulted in spotty
localized irradiation of the skin and scalp; and 3. Internal contamination
Rongelap
Rongelap people
on Ailingnae
Rongsrik
««‘Utirik
28 Atwericans
157 Marshallese
78 roentgens
14 roentgens
Less extensive
Slight
Kone (measurable)
The above people were all evacuated to Kwajalein where they were cared
for and studied extensively for several months. The Utirik people who
had only the most minimal signs (blood effects) of radiation effects were
moved back to their homes on Utirik.
The Awerican servicemen who also
showed only minimal effects were returned to duty shortly afterward.
The more heavily exposed Rongelap people were moved to Bjit Islend in
Majuro Atoll for further care and study.
this latter group.
The following facts concern
About 2/3 of the Rongelap group experienced nausea during the
first 24-49 hours after the detonation and a few womited and had diarrhea
which was believed due to the penetrating radiation exposure. A large
number experienced itching and burning of the skin, and a fev of the
eyes, which was believed due to the irradiation of the skin.
Following
this, the people were free of any complaints until about 2 weeks later
when skin lesions developed. The results of the three types of
radiation were as follows:
l.
Penetrat
-6
- (175 roentgens - a chest x-ray gives about
roentgens.) Effacts were manifest only on the blood
elements as follows:
(a) White Blood Celis (which protect the body against
infection) were depressed to about 50% of normal
by about the 6th week.
ENCLOSURE 2
[182305