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1.2.5.2 > 1.2.5.2.2 Marshall
Islands and 'Lucky Dragon' Fishermen References |
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"Low Level Revision 1 1.2.5 1.2.5.2 1.2.5.2.2 |
BEIR V
(1990) states (p 289) in "Cancer at Specific Sites, Thyroid Cancer" In
the Marshall Islanders exposed to fallout from the BRAVO bomb test on Bikini atoll in
1954, radiation to the thyroid was in part from external gamma rays from fallout dust
(1.75, 0.69, and 0.14 Gy for those on Rongelap, Alingnae and Utirik atolls respectively)
and in part from inhaled and ingested radioiodides. Two-thirds of those on Rongelap atoll
and 5% of those on Alingnae atoll suffered nausea within 48 hours. Half of the Rongelap
atoll natives developed partial epilation beginning 2 weeks after exposure, indicating
significant total-body and body surface doses. By 8 years after exposure, two boys who
were 1 year of age when they were irradiated were diagnosed with myxedema. Nine years
after exposure, the first thyroid nodule was noted in a 12 year old girl." Professor Emeritus Dr. Sohei Kondo reports (1993) on the
‘Lucky Dragon’ fishermen that: In 1954, a bomb test on Bikini
Island exposed 23 Japanese fishermen, 18-39 years old, to a rain of 'lethal' radioactive
fall-out. Whole-body doses of gamma rays from the external fall-out, which were received
during the first two weeks when they returned to Japan, were estimated to be 200-295 rad
for 11 fishermen, 325-395 rad for five, 415-475 for three, 545-575 rad for three and 670
rad for one. Additional thyroid doses, on the basis of radioactive iodine nuclides
incorporated, were estimated to be 230-550 rad. One fisherman with hematological
disturbances (anemia, leukopenia and thrombopenia) and hepatitis died 206 days after the
accident, and one with ascites caused by cirrhosis died 21 years later. No malignant
disease had been observed in the remaining men after 25 years (1979). |
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1.2.5.2.2 Marshall Islands and 'Lucky Dragon' Fishermen
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