Radiocontamination patterns and possible health consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station

Abstract

The main hazard in the early phase after the accident was due to radioiodine. Doses to the thyroid were estimated separately for (i) zones of strict control, (ii) the most contaminated provinces and (iii) the whole central European region of the USSR. Distinction was made between the children under the age of 7 years at the time of the accident and the rest of the population. In the later phase the main concern is whole-body exposure to radiocaesium. Doses were calculated for the same areas and age groups as in the case of radioiodine. The following consequences were considered: thyroid malignancies, leukaemia, other types of cancer, genetic defects and teratogenic anomalies. A statistically significant excess over the spontaneous level is unlikely to be detectable for these effects. A possible exception may be thyroid disorders. The risk of health effects was greatly reduced by preventive measures taken, in particular the lifetime doses have been restricted by the establishment of a limit of 0.35 Sv.