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Machine-read from the scan, so expect some errors. Lines that couldn’t be read are left out.
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BROOK HAVEN NATIONAL LABORATORY TO: See Distribution Below SUBJECT: Recent Items Increasing evidence for developing thyroid hypofunction in exposed Rongelap people needs further iavestigstian. Conference with Drs. Larsen (Peter Bent Brigham) and Robbins and \Jo].ff(NIH) resulted in plans to stop synthroid therapy on all exposed Rongelap people who have not had thyroid surgery for a period of three months, and then test for hypothyroid state in each individual measuring TSH levels ancl in some cases using the TRH stimulation test. In “view of possible compensation for hypothyroidism in the exposed Rongelap peoples and also for meclical reasons, it is felt that a more accurate assessment of thyroid function is necessary. The high incidence of multiple intestinal parasite infestation in the Marshallese has always been a problem. Dr. A. Krotoski (PHS), an expert in this field participating in the past survey, believes it may be possible to virtually eraclica~e most parasites in ind<v<duals on an island using the very effective against Ascaris, hookworm and Tri.churis, which are the most common parasites in the Marshallese. The drug is quite safe with virtually no side effects si.nc.eit is not absorbed. The plan is to corry out the pro– gram on Ron~el.ap as a test isl.anclas follows: In June, Knurlsen would get a small stool specimen (to be analyzed later by Dr. Krotoski) on each individual, to be followed by 1 tablet v.ebendazole (100 mg),b.i.d. for three days. This treatment would be repeatecl on three quarterly surveys followed by reanalysis of stools – Ortho Pharmaceuticals has agreed to provide the dru~ free of charge for this purpose. If the Terrj.tory I{ealth Services for other use in the islands. Dr. Knudsen says he hearcl that Bake]. and Bakol lawyers are goin~ to the U.S. Senate Committee, which will review the Burton bill passed by the House of Represent-atives, presumably to i.nfll~encethem on behalf of the Knud a].so heard that Iwo more exposed Rongclap peep].e (Nerje and Paul) will be going to Japan for medical. examinations under the auspices of A and 1[ bomb groups to gel. lilore fuel for their big lliroshima Day rally. 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 me that the group is planning on writing a letter LO President Carter about the Marshallese exposed to fallout. The briefing for Mr. A. Winkel, the new nigh Commissioner, and IIrs. Ruth Van Cleve, the new Director of the Office of Territories, will take place on June 2nd and I have been asked to review the medical studies in the Ffarshalls. This will be done in advance of the UN meeting of the Trusteeship Council scheduled, I believe, for the second week in June. I hear Oscar deBrum will be at the UN meeting.