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evident that the
life scortening 1s some function of the dose of radiation,
extrapoletion from nice toman is extrezely difficulty.
However, the
It is unlikely that any good
statistical analysis can be made on the Marshallese because of the small mmbers of
individuals and the uncertainty of the precise birthdate in the older groups.
There
has been one death in the Rongelap group who at autopsy showed evidence of heart disease.
In the larger group from Utirik there heave been five deaths.
The number of
deaths is comperable in both groups one having received 175 r ani the latter only
14 r.
To date one must conclude that there las been no significant evidence for
prenature ageing or shortening of the life span of the Marshallese.
Leuxemia_ and Cancer
Loukenta is one of the things thet is know to have occurred in the Japanese
and is prevalent in irradiated laboratory animals.
To date no leukemia has occurred
end there is no evidence of leukemic tendencies, Thia 4s being studied intensively
ty the uso of alkaline phosphatase studies on the granulocytes and besophile counts
on the blood,
It has been shown by the studies of Moloney et el., in Japan that a
tasophilia and decrease in alkaline phosphatase precedes the developmant of leukenia.
Genetic Effects
The small nmuaber of individuals involved and the inadequate vital statistics
make it difficult to determine genetic changes.
It is certain that there have been
no abnormalities in the first generetion of oabies.
The umlesireadle aspects for
genetic studies are in part offset by the teniency of consanguinous marriages that
are prevalent among the Marshallese,
From this stsnipcint genetic effects nay
te
ceveliop and are being sought.
ee
»
“
¢
ons
Term Fffects of Internally Deposited Fadionuclides
ne
he very snall aucunits of radioactive msterials that are deposited internally
ure by thezselves ‘nadequate to produce serious long tern effects.
Fowever the sub-
dect 4s complicated by the fect that the individuals hed e substantial inftial insult
fron whole body radiation.
In eddition to the whole body radiation the thyroid gland
ROE anc
5
a