be no different from that of the comparison populations. The incidences and
types of diseases affecting all groups were similar, and there was no clear evidence of accelerated aging or cataract formation, of decreased longevity, increased mortality, or increased incidence of malignancy (other than thyroid).
B.
Methods
1.
_
Procedures
Extended field trips for general examinations were made at least annu-
ally, and more frequently during certain periods, following the accident.
For
major field surveys, the medical team usually consisted of a dozen technological support personnel and four to six physicians, including an expert thyroidologist, a hematologist and a pediatrician when possible, and sometimes a gyne-
cologist and a dentist.
During the past six years, a physician and a technolo-
gist in full-time residence in Kwajalein have attempted to make quarterly
vists to hold general sick call, to conduct follow-up evaluations of continuing problems, and to promote general health care and education among the
populace.
Table 1 shows the current locations of various members of the examina-
tion group.
Many are now congregated at the major population centers:
Majuro
(the Trust Territory District Center) and Ebeye Island in Kwajalein Atoll.
Medical facilties established on these islands by Brookhaven National Laboratory included two large trailers which provided semipermanent quarters for
physical, x-ray,
and laboratory examinations.
able from nearby Trust Territory hospitals.
Additional support was avail-
The outer islands, including
Rongelap and Utirik, necessitated shipborne surveys, since they were essentially inaccessible by air.
During the past six years, two chartered vessels
were modified to transport the entire medical team and to provide on-board ex-
amination facilities and equipment for outer island surveys.
plemented by trailers and Butler buildings on some islands.
Table
1.
Locations of Marshall
Group
Rongelap + Ailinginae exposed
Rongelap unexposed
Utirik exposed
Utirik unexposed
Bikini
Wotje
Likiep
Total
Islands
These were sup-
groups under study,
R
U
E
M
K
L
W
18
204
-
54
264
20
360
17
29°
11
111
30
«169
1
4
-
-
~
-
-
G
226
~
-
318
-
~-
4
430
159
-
24
-~
480
29
-
-
~
1979.
Other Total
2
1
5
72
10
16
=
6
155
31
-
149
164
134
149
~
-
"
=
R = Rongelap; U = Utirik; E = Ebeye; M = Majuro; K = Kili; L = Likiep;
Wotje.
55
753
112
478
228
155
149
1930