5.2
Recommendations
However the program is set up, I re: :mmend that it cover the
following items.
(1)
Reinstitute whole-body counting for cesium-137 now to
establish a base line of comparison to be used when the people
return to Rongelap.
We know, of course, that their counts have not
been excessive.
2)
Study the plutonium excretion in urine now as a research
project to determine the reproducibility of the fission track method
and how environmental factors might influence the results.
(3)
children.
Extend the study of infant diets and those of small
This will be much more time consuming than foreign
consultants might suppose.
(4)
Develop a plan to control contamination to the extent
necessary to make the Rongelap people feel comfortable with their
Atoll. Two methods developed at Bikini Atoll might be adapted for
use here -- soil removal or soil treatment with potassium salt. The
plan would be a graded one in which the northern islands would
receive more treatment than Rongelap itself (which would receive
little, if any).
(5)
The prelude to such planning would include contamination
(6)
For the present, at least, I recommend no food gathering
surveys on the important islands where food is produced.
on islands north of Borukka and Eniaetok.
(7) The fact that Rongelap appears suitable for resettlement
now should not be lost sight of. The Rongelap people should ask
themselves what further evidence do they want, or what steps taken,
to make them feel comfortable about this.
Will they ever feel
comfortable about it?
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