Radiation-induced risk of resettling Bikini atoll. Final report, November 7, 1981-May 28, 1982
The Department of Energy (DOE) has concluded that the Bikini atoll is unsafe for resettlement. In response to the Bikinians' request for an independent review, we have examined the following DOE findings: (a) radionuclide contamination of Eneu and Bikini Islands, (b) radiation dosage to those who might resettle the islands, and (c) risks to the health of such settlers. We are in practical agreement with the DOE estimates. Resettlement of either island in 1983 would lead to a range of annual or 30-year cumulative doses that exceed the Federal Radiation Council (FRC) guides for the general population, but not those for occupation exposure. By 2013 resettlement of Eneu probably would be permissible. The principal source of radiation dose is local food, especially coconut, owing to contamination of the soil by cesium-137. A precise estimate of dose is impossible. The availability of imported foods would lessen local food consumption, but not sufficiently to meet the FRC guides for the general population. The 30-year cumulative index dose is 61 (25-122) rem for Bikini, and about 8 (3-16) rem for Eneu.
- Research Organization:
- Epidemiology Resources, Inc., Chestnut Hill, MA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC01-82EP12040
- OSTI ID:
- 6643055
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/EP/12040-T1; ON: DE82015865
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BIKINI
CONTAMINATION
RADIATION HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
RADIATION DOSES
CESIUM 137
DIET
DOSE COMMITMENTS
FOOD CHAINS
RISK ASSESSMENT
ALKALI METAL ISOTOPES
BETA DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
BETA-MINUS DECAY RADIOISOTOPES
CESIUM ISOTOPES
DOSES
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
ISLANDS
ISOTOPES
MARSHALL ISLANDS
MICRONESIA
NUCLEI
OCEANIA
ODD-EVEN NUCLEI
POPULATIONS
RADIOISOTOPES
YEARS LIVING RADIOISOTOPES
560151* - Radiation Effects on Animals- Man
510302 - Environment
Terrestrial- Radioactive Materials Monitoring & Transport- Terrestrial Ecosystems & Food Chains- (-1987)