(b) Platelets (which keep the body from bleeding spontaneously) were depressed to about 30% of normal by the
kth week. These blood elements have gradually recovered to normal range at subsequent studies at
6 months, 1 year and 2 years.
2.
Skin Contamination - resulted in spotty loss of hair and skin
lesions beginning 2 weeks after exposure. About 90% of the
children lost hair to some degree and about §0% of the adults.
90% developed skin lesions of spotty distribution over the
exposed parts of the body not covered by clothing. ‘fhe
majority of the skin lesions were superficial and were no
worse than a sunburn with the outer skin peeling away.
healed and repignuented rapidly.
About 20% of the people
They
developed deeper lesions which became weeping ulcers. However, even these healed rapidly, but a few show some scarring
and lack of repigmentation to present. ‘he hair began regrowing about 3 months after exposure and by six months was
completely regrown in all cases.
Internal Contamination - Radiochemical studies of urine samples
showed sOme degree of internal absorption of radioactive
materials. Mowever, the total body burden was found to be
below the "tolerance" levels that have been established. By
6 months, insignificant amounts could be detected.
Other than the akin lesions, loss of hair and early
syaptoms there have been no illnesses or disease. processes
that have been encountered which could be attributed to
radiation effects, either during the first survey or subsequent resurveys. There have been no deaths, though many
of the people are quite old.
‘The diseases encountered have
been no more severe or frequent than in the unirradiated
population. This was true even during the period when the
greatest depression of their blood cells occurred. For
instance, at that time an epidemic of common colds occurred,
but was no worse in the Rongelap people compared to others.
Therefore, at no time has it been necessary to resort to any
specialized treatment for radiation effects on the blood such
as use of prophylactic antibiotics, blood transfusions, etc.
However, careful consideration and treatment has been given
to all conditions which needed attention. The skin lesions
aid require careful treatment and as a result we have been
rewarded with little or no secondary infection of these
lesions.
We cannot be certain that cancer will not develop
at the site of skin lesions, but it does not seem too likely
at this time.
Pertility did not appear to have been effected in view
of the fact that about 10 sound babies have been born in the
group since the exposure and new pregnancies are in evidence.
ENCLOSURE 2
1182306