skin that had been contaminated by fall-out and epilation of the scalp and exposed skin

surfaces began.
The skin lesions and epilation were extensive among the Rongelap exposure group,less
extensive among those exposed at Ailingnae, slight among the Americans at Rongerik, and
absent among those exposed at Utirik. Ninety percent of Rongelap and Ailingnae people
are reported to have developed lesions.
The time of onset for neck lesions, and epilation as well as the percentage of the group
with such changes is included from an early report. In the early stages, the lesions were
hyperpigmented in the form of macules, papules or plaques which coalesced into larger
lesions. Those that were superficial underwent dry desquamation and subsequently
repigmentation. Deeper lesions were characterized by transdermal necrosis and wet
desquamation leaving weeping crusting ulcerations. After six months to a year, skin
appeared normal. Someof the deeper lesions showed some residual damage.
Epilation is reported to have beenfirst observed on the 14th post-exposure day. The
severity was variable and occurred to the greatest extent in children. Regrowth began

during the third month post-exposure and was complete at six months with hair of normal
texture, color and abundance.

Discoloration ofnails (i.e., radiation onyx) occurred in a large proportion of those exposed

at Rongelap and Ailingnae. It was first documented on the 23rd day post-exposure. A
- bluish-brown pigment appeared first in the semilunar area of the fingernails and grew out
as a band. At six months it was gone from nearly all individuals.
45.3

Other Early Health Effects

There were essentially no other significant medical findings in the early. period of a few
weeks and months post-exposure. However, none was anticipated (probable) based on the

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