ICRP #9 suggests that in 30 years, the general public should receive a dose
of less than 5.0 rem from total body sources other than medical or natural background (8),
In all cases examined here, this requirement is met.
The problem
arises that the external gamma radiation is only one source of exposure to the
Marshallese.
The dietary pathway could contribute a substantial increment as an
internal dose commitment.
Reviewing all atoll dose commitments in this light, we feel that inhabitants
of Rongelap Atoll may have difficulty meeting the ICRP #9 criterion of 5 rem in
30 years, but should be within the 0.5 rem/year standard for individuals.
The
interal dose assessment for the people of Rongelap will be the subject of a separate report.
At this time, we do not recommend any remedial action until a complete
dose commitment can be determined by means of examining the external, dietary and
whole body counting data available to date.
The other islands and atolls surveyed are well within the ICRP recommended
levels.
As such, Little more than minimal followup should be done on these atolls.
The main task of the environmental programs should be one of detecting significant
changes in the environment or lifestyle whichmight warrant a reassessment of these
dose predictions,