body burden means for adults on Utirik and the observed K, rate constant from
Rongelap.

It was observed on Rongelap that .031% of 6575 was removed from the

diet pathway each day in addition to radioactive decay.

Additionally, reduction

in dietary radioactivity on Rongelap had been observed for 137, S, 90 Sr, and 60 Co
to be greater than that predicted by radioactive decay alone.

Instantaneous re-

duction fractions very similar to those at Rongelap were observed at Utirik for

the 906. and 1376. nuclides.

The lower curve on Figure 16 reflects the dose

equivalent, dose equivalent rate, and body burden which would have occurred had

radioactive decay alone accounted for the removal of era from the Utirik environment.

Since additional mechanisms could be measured for other nuclides at

Utirik and for the 6575 nuclide on a nearby atoll, the upper curve was chosen as
the most likely body burden history for adults post return to Utirik Atoll.
Figure 17 indicates the Utirik adult mean total body dose equivalent rate
for each nuclide.
exists;
rate.

An obvious difference relative to the Rongelap history

Zn not 13766 was the major nuclide contributing to the dose equivalent
This was due to the Utirik population returning 3 to 4 months after the

initial contaminating event, and the Rongelap population returning after 3
years.

The age of the fallout had a dramatic influence on the importance of

each nuclide contributing to the internal dose equivalent.

In fact 606, and

>on played major roles during the first 3 years, a time interval that
corresponded to the period during which field whole body counting facilities
were being developed at Brookhaven National Laboratory and when medical examinations for people on Utirik Atoll were not done.

Additionally, pooled and/or in-

dividual radiochemical analysis of urine was not performed during this period.
The impact of 6575 and 600, was such that even if the least conservative rate

34

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