In situ measurement of cesium-137 contamination in fruits from the northern Marshall Islands

Topping, Carlisle E.W.; Abella, Maveric; Berkowitz, Michael; Molina, Monica Rouco; Nikolić-Hughes, Ivana; Hughes, E. W.; Ruderman, M.

doi:10.1073/pnas.1903481116

Cited by 17 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Nevertheless, the radiation levels on Bikini Island, which served as the primary island for habitation on the atoll, before and in the aftermath of the testing, are too high for relocation to Bikini. This is true even before radiation in food, which may represent the most significant exposure pathway, is taken into account (32).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Background gamma radiation and soil activity measurements in the northern Marshall Islands

Abella

Molina

Nikolić-Hughes

et al. 2019

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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We report on measurements of external gamma radiation on 9 islands in 4 atolls in the northern Marshall Islands, all of which were affected by the US nuclear testing program from 1946 to 1958 (Enjebi, Ikuren, and Japtan in Enewetak Atoll; Bikini and Enyu in Bikini Atoll; Naen in Rongelap Atoll; and Aon, Elluk, and Utirik in Utirik Atoll). We also report americium-241, cesium-137, plutonium-238, and plutonium-239,240 activity concentrations in the soil samples for 11 islands in 4 northern atolls (Enewetak, Japtan, Medren, and Runit in Enewetak Atoll; Bikini and Enyu in Bikini Atoll; Naen and Rongelap in Rongelap Atoll; and Aon, Elluk, and Utirik in Utirik Atoll) and from Majuro Island, Majuro Atoll in the southern Marshall Islands. Our results show low external gamma radiation levels on some islands in the Enewetak Atoll and Utirik Atoll, and elevated levels on Enjebi Island in the Enewetak Atoll, on Bikini Atoll, and on Naen Island in the Rongelap Atoll. We perform ordinary kriging on external gamma radiation measurements to provide interpolated maps. We find that radionuclides are absent from all Majuro soil samples, and that they are present at highest activity concentrations in samples from Runit and Enjebi islands (Enewetak Atoll), Bikini Island (Bikini Atoll), and Naen Island (Rongelap Atoll). We contextualize all results by making comparisons between islands and to various standards, as well as to regions of the world affected by nuclear accidents. We also discuss implications for informed decision-making by the Marshallese and local atoll governments and their people on issues pertaining to island resettlement.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Background gamma radiation and soil activity measurements in the northern Marshall Islands

Abella

Molina

Nikolić-Hughes

et al. 2019

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.

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“…In a 2019 study, researchers found that radiation levels on RMI lands exceed radiation levels at Fukushima and Chernobyl,18 contributing to disproportionate cancer rates 17. Food grown on the Marshall Islands remains contaminated with radionuclide levels above international safety standards, and plant food sources have become inedible due to radiation 19. This contamination affected the social and economic fabric of the Ri Majel, undermining social norms and sustenance activities 20.…”

Section: Ecological Impactsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…17 Food grown on the Marshall Islands remains contaminated with radionuclide levels above international safety standards, and plant food sources have become inedible due to radiation. 19 This contamination affected the social and economic fabric of the Ri Majel, undermining social norms and sustenance activities. 20 Because of this, food must be imported, leading to poor diets and resulting health outcomes.…”

Section: Environmental Impacts Of Nuclear Testingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“I've Never Been to a Doctor”

Narruhn

Espina

2022

Advances in Nursing Science

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The Ri Majel (Marshallese) migrants of Washington State have endured health inequities and unique laws dictating their access to health care once they arrive to the United States. These health inequities can be seen to be a result of historical trauma and militarization of their islands. The research question was an inquiry regarding access to health care for the Ri Majel in Washington State. We first provide detailed historical data in the background to contextualize our research inquiry. We interviewed 12 people and using manifest content analysis found 2 main themes regarding the health of the Ri Majel: (1) health care access and inequity and (2) historical trauma and embodiment. Health care access was impeded by (1) ongoing effects of radiation, (2) repeated denial of services, (3) lack of health care and insurance, (4) lack of language interpretation during health care visits, and (5) poverty. Historical trauma and embodiment were evidenced by these findings: (1) illness and early mortality; (2) provider lack of knowledge and understanding of the Ri Majel; (3) structural discrimination; (4) feelings of sadness and despair; (5) shyness and humility; and (6) a sense of "cannot/will not" and fatalism. Our findings demonstrate the need to examine structural factors when assessing health inequities and a need to understand and mitigate the effects of historical trauma enacted by structural racism, violence, and colonialism. Strategies to mitigate the embodiment of historical trauma require further investigation.

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“…Moreover, research has long shown that radioactive fallout is not distributed evenly across a space; it circulates in nonlinear patterns through weather systems, water currents and food chains, creating ‘hotspots’ of particularly high concentrations of contamination (Salbu and Krekling 1998; Alexis Martin, 2016). A 2019 study found radiation levels ‘above limits set by international safety standards in some measured fruits’ growing at Bikini and Enewetak Atolls in the Marshall Islands (Topping et al, 2019). BEIR VII found that people who live and work closer to the ground (i.e.…”

Section: Considerations In Assessing the Ongoing Humanitarian And Envmentioning

confidence: 99%

Addressing the Ongoing Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: An Introductory Review

Bolton

Minor

2021

Global Policy

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The use and testing of nuclear weapons caused transnational and catastrophic humanitarian and environmental consequences. Legacies of more than 2,000 nuclear detonations in the territories of 15 states persist today, with serious implications for human rights and sustainable development. There is an inadequate global policy architecture for addressing the humanitarian and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. However, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), adopted by 122 states at the UN in 2017, established obligations to assist victims of nuclear weapons and testing and remediate contaminated environments. Other global policymaking bodies have also mandated action on such concerns. In this review article, introducing a Special Section on ‘Addressing the Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons’, we provide a global overview of the facts about past nuclear weapons activities in different countries and some of the known and potential ongoing consequences of the blast, heat and radioactive energy released by past nuclear weapons detonations. In doing so, we aim to inform the development of policy around the TPNW and the gathering of further relevant information, enabling efforts to develop global humanitarian, human rights and sustainable development policy assisting communities affected by nuclear weapons.

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In situ measurement of cesium-137 contamination in fruits from the northern Marshall Islands

Cited by 17 publications

References 19 publications

Background gamma radiation and soil activity measurements in the northern Marshall Islands

Background gamma radiation and soil activity measurements in the northern Marshall Islands

“I've Never Been to a Doctor”

Addressing the Ongoing Humanitarian and Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Weapons: An Introductory Review

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