scores into 5-year age groups was doneto reduce

possible errors due to the uncertaintyof the exact
age of someindividuals.

DENTAL SURVEY
Dental examinations were carried out on most
of the people on theisland. particularlythose requiring dental attention.
LABORATORY PROCEDURES
Hematological Examinations

Complete routine blood counts were carried out

with repeat counts on anvpersons showing abnormalities. White blood counts and red blood counts

were obtained with the electronic Coulter, which
again proved to be a verysatisfactory instrument
for examinationsofthis type in the field, Differential counts were performed in the usual manner
after staining with Wright’s fluid. Platelet counts
were done by phase microscopy. Hemoglobin was
determined by the cvan-hemoglobin technique
with the Lumitron colorimeter. but only 49 deter-

minations were possible because of breakdown of
the Lumitron. Hematocrits were obtained by the
microhematocrit method. Reticulocyte counts

were carried out in 16 people who had low hemoglobin values. Serum proteins were determined
with the Hitachi refractometer. Blood and serum

samples for certain studies to be described below

were collected and kept underrefrigeration and
finally shipped back for study.
Urine Analysis

Routine urine analyses were done on almostall
people receiving physical examinations. Thesein-

cluded determinations of protein and hyperglucosuria by reagent paperstrips. *
Serum Examinations for Calcium,

Phosphorus, and Protein Bound lodine
These studies were carried out in six of the children in the exposed group of the growth and development studv.**
*Combistix, Ames Company, Inc., Elkhart, Indiana.

**We are grateful to Drs. D.D. Van Slvke and L.V. Hankes of
this Laboratoryfor carrying out these determinations.

Serum Iron

Serum iron determinations were performed in

the 16 people who were found to have an anemic

tendencyto see whether deficiencyof this element
might be responsible. *
Serum Gamma Globulin Studies

In previous surveys extensive studies have been
made on certain genetically inherited character-

istics such as blood groupings. haptoglobin and

transferrin, hemoglobin types, glucose-6-phosphate
dehydrogenase activityof red cells, B-amino-iswbutyric acid excretion, etc. One type of gamma

globulin had not been previously studied in the

Rongelap people, and 149 sera were collected during this survey for determination of the Gm tvpe
of gamma globulin. The determinations were car.

ried out by Dr. A.G. Steinberg of Western Reserve
University and his collaborators and reported

along with the same observations on other popula-

tions,” the methods used werealso reported.
Radionuclide Body Burden Evaluation

The methods used in the radionuclide bodys

burden evaluation are described later in a separate
section.

Results and Discussion
The census of Rongelap people in March |
was 334, of which 81 were in the exposed yvroup
(including + children exposed in udero at the time of
the accident); 33 were children of exposed parents.

and 220 were unexposed people: Table | shows
their location. In Table 2 the population is broken
down according to percent distribution in various
age groups and comparedwith that of the Mar-

shall Islands as a whole for 1948-1950 and ol the
United States for 1960. The table also shows the
median age. The lower median age of the Murshallese would tend to support the impression that
their life span is shorter than that of people in the
continental United States, but there has been a
“population explosion” in those islands which

might accountfor this discrepancy.

*We are erateful to Mrs. Ruth Saart of South Nassau Coun
munities Hospital, Rockville Centre, L.1., N.Y. for cares oni cuit
the serum iron determinations.

Select target paragraph3