Dose assessment, radioecology and community interaction at former nuclear test sites

The United States of America conducted a nuclear testing programme at Bikini and Enewetak atolls in the Marshall Islands from 1946 through 1958. We have conducted an experimental, monitoring, and dose assessment programme at atolls in the northern Marshall Islands for the past 20 years. The goals have been to: determine the radiological conditions at the atolls; provide dose assessments for resettlement options and alternative living patterns; develop and evaluate remedial measures to reduce the dose to people re-inhabiting the atolls; discuss our results with each of the communities and Government officials of the Marshall Islands to help them understand the data as a basis for resettlement decisions. The remaining radionuclides at the atolls that contribute any significant dose are 137Cs, 90Sr, 239+240Pu and 241Am. 4 refs, 1 fig., 2 tabs