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_". BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE —
Rongelap Ecological Studies
;
The first phase of a long-term ecological survey of Rongelap Atoll was cdrried out during
February and March. The object of the initial study was to determine the typqs of soil on the
atoll, their approximate distribution, their chemical'and physical properties,
fheir relation to
plant distribution, and the distribution of radioactive materials in soils, plantB, and ground
water. Field work consisted of. reconnaissance surveys of Rongelap, Eniaetoll and Kabelle
Islands, followed by detailed examination of soil profiles and collection of so
samples, .
An integral part of the Rongelap ecology atudy is the continuing program of monitoring the
foodstuffs of the natives. This serves as a check on the radioisotopes ingesta d by the natives
and also provides information required for food chain studies,
cee odio bette
Thirteen field rats collected on Rongelap Island during this trip were as syed for |strontium
90 content of bone. The values obtained ranged from 268 to 926 strontium unjts, with an average value of 443. “Oneple bone was obtained, which gave an assay of 480 strdntium units.
A second field trip is planned for September 1958. (in
7)
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TREATMENT OF RADIATION DAMAGE (UNCLASSIFIED)
Studies continued at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory on the treatmenf of radiation in-
jury by bone marrow transplants. In an experiment conducted on bone marrpw cells in sus-
pension the cells were protectedfrom a dose of 800 roentgens of X irradiatfon by removing
most of the oxygen in the cell suspension just before irradiation. Protectioy was judged by
the ability of the irradiated marrow cells to
© promote recovery in mice expqped to a lethal
dose of radiation.
Various chemical compounds were administered to mice in an effort tdj/suppress the
reaction which prevents the successful transplant of foreign bone marrow.
None of these compounds proved to be effective, nor did diets deficient in specific vitamins have any effect on
this reaction.-
‘
RADIOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE PLAN
Procedures coordinating the capabilities of the AEC and the Department of Defense for
handling all types of radiation incidents were established during the quarta@r. As reported in
the Program Status Report for December 31, 1957, the AEC had certain capabilities for
handling both onsite and offsite incidents, and joint AEC-Department of Defense procedures
were already in existence for handling incidents involving nuclear weapong. The new radio-
logical assistance plan applies to both weapon and nonweapon incidents arfsing in onsite
contractor operations, offsite contractor or licensee establishments, or ij other places as
reported by either military or civil authorities. The plan provides for ragid response toa
request for assistance at the scene of an incident by a team from the resppnsible AEC regional office, with assistance from the AEC-DOD Coordination Center at
ate
snieynd tet tat i
Mexico, if requested.
gandia Base, New
The AEC issued a press release on June 10 describing the services gvailable in the event
of a radiation incident. Each AEC regional office sent letters describing
fhe radiological assistance plan to contractors, licensees, and state and local governmentofficials in the
geographical area under its jurisdiction.
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