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BROOKHAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY TO : See Distribution Below Increasing evidence for developing thyroid hypofunction i n exposed Rongelap people needs further investigation. (Peter Bent Brigham) and Robbins and Wolff (NIH) resulted in plans to stop synthroid therapy on all exposed Rongelap people who have not had thyroid surgery fora period of three months, and then test for hypothyroid state i n each individual measuring TSH levels and i n some cases using the inthe exposed Rongelap peoples and also for medical reasons, it is felt that a more accurate assessment of thyroid function i s necessary. Conference with Drs. Larsen I n view of possible compensation for hypothyroidism The high incidence of multiple intestinal parasite infestation in the Marshallese has always been a problem. in this field participating in the past survey, believes it may be possible to virtually eradicate most parasites in individuals on an island using the very effective against Ascaris, hookworm and Trichur is, which are the most common parasites in the Marshallese. no side effects since it is not absorbed. gram on Rongelap as a test island as follows: The drug is quite safe with virtually The plan is to carry out the proI n June, Knudsen would geta small stool specimen (to be analyzed later by Dr. Krotoski) on each individual,to be followed by 1tablet mebendazole (100 mg),b.i.d. for three days. This treatment would be repeated on three quarterly surveys followed by reanalysis of stools - Ortho Pharmaceuticals has agreed t o provide the drug free of charge for this purpose. results are satisfactory,this program could be of great value to the Trust Territory Health Services for other use in the islands. PDr. Knudsen says he heard that Bakol and Bakol lawyers are going t o theU.S. Senate Cm mitte e, which will review the Burton bill passed by the House of Representatives, presumably to influence them on behalf of the Uti rik people. Knud also heard that two more exposed Rongelap people (Nerje and Paul) will be going t o Japan for medical examinations under the auspices of A and H bomb groups toget more fuel for their big Hiroshima Day rally. I guess this may be i n order for the leftist Japanese anti - I
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understand there will be a big international meeting there at that time, including medical reviews of A bomb effects.Dr. Hayakawa tells m e that .the group i s planning on writing a letter to President Carter about the Marshallese exposed to fallout. The briefing for Mr. A. Winkel, the new High Commissioner, and Mrs. Ruth Van Cleve, the new Director of the Office of Territories,will take place on June 2nd and I have been asked t o review the medical studies in the Marshalls. This will be done i n advance of the UN meeting of the Trusteeship Council scheduled, I believe, for the second week i n June. I hear Oscar deBrum will be atthe UN meeting.