The Outcome of Local Radiation Injuries: 14 Years of Follow-up after the Chernobyl Accident

Title: The Outcome of Local Radiation Injuries: 14 Years of Follow-up after the Chernobyl Accident

Author: Petra Gottlöber, Marianne Steinert, Melanie Weiss, Vladimir Bebeshko, David Belyi, Natalia Nadejina, Fritz H. Stefani , Gerard Wagemaker, Theodor M. Fliedner, and Ralf U. Peter

Reference: Radiation Research 155(3):409-416. 2001

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1667/0033-7587(2001)155[0409:TOOLRI]2.0.CO;2

Keywords : radiation sickness, radiation injuries

Abstract: The Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident on April 26, 1986 was the largest in the history of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. Of the 237 individuals initially suspected to have been significantly exposed to radiation during or in the immediate aftermath of the accident, the diagnosis of acute radiation sickness (ARS) could be confirmed in 134 cases on the basis of clinical symptoms. Of these, 54 patients suffered from cutaneous radiation syndrome (CRS) to varying degrees. Among the 28 patients who died from the immediate consequences of accidental radiation exposure, acute hemopoietic syndrome due to bone marrow failure was the primary cause of death only in a minority. In 16 of these 28 deaths, the primary cause was attributed to CRS. This report describes the characteristic cutaneous sequelae as well as associated clinical symptoms and diseases of 15 survivors of the Chernobyl accident with severe localized exposure who were systematically followed up by our groups between 1991 and 2000. All patients presented with CRS of varying severity, showing xerosis, cutaneous telangiectasias and subungual splinter hemorrhages, hemangiomas and lymphangiomas, epidermal atrophy, disseminated keratoses, extensive dermal and subcutaneous fibrosis with partial ulcerations, and pigmentary changes including radiation lentigo. Surprisingly, no cutaneous malignancies have been detected so far in those areas that received large radiation exposures and that developed keratoses; however, two patients first presented in 1999 with basal cell carcinomas on the nape of the neck and the right lower eyelid, areas that received lower exposures. During the follow-up period, two patients were lost due to death from myelodysplastic syndrome in 1995 and acute myelogenous leukemia in 1998, respectively. Other radiation-induced diseases such as dry eye syndrome (3/15), radiation cataract (5/15), xerostomia (4/15) and increased FSH levels (7/15) indicating impaired fertility were also documented. This study, which analyzes 14 years in the clinical course of a cohort of patients with a unique exposure pattern, corroborates the requirement for long-term, if not life-long, follow-up not only in atomic bomb survivors, but also after predominantly local radiation exposure.

ＵＲＬ：http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1667/0033-7587%282001%29155%5B0409%3ATOOLRI%5D2.0.CO%3B2?prevSearch=chernobyl&searchHistoryKey=&queryHash=05c5bf600dfdc400aa01511958fb5e34

Transgenerational accumulation of radiation damage in small mammals chronically exposed to Chernobyl fallout

Title: Transgenerational accumulation of radiation damage in small mammals chronically exposed to Chernobyl fallout

Author: Nadezhda I. Ryabokon, R. I. Goncharova

Reference: Radiation and Environmental Biophysics, September 2006, Volume 45, Issue 3, pp 167-177

DOI: 10.1007/s00411-006-0054-3

Keywords : radiation, accumulation, mammals, Chernobyl fallout

Abstract: The purpose of this investigation has been the analysis of the long-term development of biological damage in natural populations of a model mammalian species, the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus, Schreber), which were chronically exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation over 22 animal generations within 10 years following the Chernobyl accident. The time course of the biological end-points (chromosome aberrations in bone marrow cells and embryonic lethality) was compared with the time course of the whole-body absorbed dose rate from external and internal exposure in the studied populations inhabiting monitoring sites in Belarus with different ground deposition of radionuclides. The yield of chromosome aberrations and, in lesser degree, embryonic lethality was associated with the radionuclide contamination of the monitoring areas in a dose-dependent manner. As a main feature of the long-term development of biological damage under low dose rate irradiation, permanently elevated levels of chromosome aberrations and an increasing frequency of embryonic lethality have developed over 22 animal generations. This contrasts with the assumption that the biological damage would gradually disappear since in the same period of time the whole-body absorbed dose rate decreased exponentially with a half-value time of about 2.5–3 years. Furthermore, gravid females were captured, and their offspring, born and grown up under contamination-free laboratory conditions, showed the same enhanced level of chromosome aberrations. Therefore the authors suggest that, along with the biological damage attributable to the individual exposure of each animal, the observed cellular and systemic effects reflect the transgenerational transmission and accumulation, via genetic and/or epigenetic pathways, of damage attributable to the chronic low-dose rate exposure of the preceding generations of animals. They also suggest that the level of the accumulated transmissible damage in the investigated populations will decrease in future due to the further recession of the chronic exposure and as a consequence of selection processes.

ＵＲＬ：http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00411-006-0054-3

Cytogenetic Effects of Radiation on Agricultural Plants Observed in the Chernobyl region during the First Years after the Accident

Title: Cytogenetic Effects of Radiation on Agricultural Plants Observed in the Chernobyl region during the First Years after the Accident

Author: Stanislav A. GERASKIN, Vladimir G. DIKAREV, Yevgenia Ya. ZYABLITSKAYA, Alla A. OUDALOVA and Yevgeniy V. SPIRIN

Reference: Всероссийский Научно-Исследовательский Институт Сельскохозяйственной Радиологии и Агроэкологии

Keywords: cytogenetic effects, radiation, agricultural plants, first years after the accident, Belarus

Abstract: The cytogenetic consequences of radioactive contamination by the fallout after the accident at the Chernobyl NPP in 1986 to agricultural crops have been studied.

ＵＲＬ：http://www.rri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/NSRG/reports/kr79/kr79pdf/Geraskin.pdf

Radiation injury to human body: atomic bombs, Chernobyl and Fukushima

Title: Radiation injury to human body: atomic bombs, Chernobyl and Fukushima

Author: Masao TOMONAGA

Reference: Rinsho Ketsueki, Vol. 52 (2011) No. 10 P 1740-1747

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11406/rinketsu.52.1740

Keywords: Deterministic effect, Stochastic effect, Acute radiation syndrome, Radiation-induced leukemia, Chernobyl , Fukushima

ＵＲＬ：https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/rinketsu/52/10/52_10_1740/_article/-char/ja/

Consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services

Title: Consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services

Author: Henrik von Wehrden, Joern Fischer, Patric Brandt, Viktoria Wagner, Klaus Kümmerer, Tobias Kuemmerle, Anne Nagel, Oliver Olsson, Patrick Hostert

Reference: Conservation Letters, Volume 5, Issue 2, pages 81–89, April 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-263X.2011.00217.x

Keywords: Caesium; Chernobyl; reactor meltdown; nuclear energy; radiation

Abstract: Nuclear energy is a potential solution to electricity demand but also entails risks. Policy debates on nuclear accidents have focused primarily on negative impacts on humans. Although such impacts are important, we argue that policy debates must also consider the consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. We reviewed 521 studies conducted after the Chernobyl accident, the most severe nuclear accident in history. Elevated radiation levels have been recorded among a diversity of species, even up to thousands of kilometers away from the meltdown site, and after more than two decades following the accident. Close to the reactor, physiological and morphological changes have occurred. Negative effects on ecosystem services have been observed, including the contamination of water, soils, and wild food supplies. Informed policy decisions on nuclear energy require a greater understanding of the consequences of accidents, including effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Based on our review, we recommend to (1) fully incorporate risks for biodiversity and ecosystem services into policy debates; (2) develop a coherent information chain regarding such risks; (3) use proactive planning strategies to be prepared for potential accidents; and (4) develop a coherent research agenda on the consequences of nuclear accidents for biodiversity and ecosystem services.

ＵＲＬ：onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1755-263X.2011.00217.x/abstract

Increased level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of Chernobyl liquidators 6–10 years after the accident

Title: Increased level of chromosomal aberrations in lymphocytes of Chernobyl liquidators 6–10 years after the accident

Author: Natalia Slozina, Elizaveta Neronova, Tatiana Kharchenko, Alexey Nikiforov

Reference: Mutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis, Volume 379, Issue 2, 6 October 1997, Pages 121–125

DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0027-5107(97)00113-9

Keywords: Chromosome aberration; Liquidator; Radiation; Micronucleus

Abstract: Chromosomal aberrations (CA) were used to investigate the level of cytogenetical damage in peripheral blood lymphocytes from the liquidators in a remote period (6–10 years) after the Chernobyl accident. There was a significantly higher frequency of chromosomal radiation markers (dicentrics and rings) in the peripheral lymphocytes of the liquidators than in the control subjects. No differences between these groups were demonstrated by the micronucleus (MN) test. Increased frequency of chromatid exchanges was associated with the smoking habits of the liquidators.

ＵＲＬ：http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0027510797001139

The distribution of chromosome damage, non-reciprocal translocations and clonal aberrations in lymphocytes from Chernobyl clean-up workers

Title: The distribution of chromosome damage, non-reciprocal translocations and clonal aberrations in lymphocytes from Chernobyl clean-up workers

Author: Kirby L Johnson, Joginder Nath, Janice M Pluth, James D Tucker

Reference: Mutation Research/Genetic Toxicology and Environmental Mutagenesis, Volume 439, Issue 1, 2 February 1999, Pages 77–85

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1383-5718(98)00177-6

Keywords: Chernobyl; Chromosome translocation; Radiation; Clone

Abstract: In this paper we determined whether the frequencies of translocations and insertions are proportional to chromosome size in peripheral blood lymphocytes from Chernobyl nuclear accident clean-up workers and healthy unexposed control subjects. The frequency of aberrations among chromosomes 1, 2 and 4 in both groups was found to be significantly different from the distribution expected on the basis of chromosome size, although the difference was only marginally significant in controls. We also determined whether differences exist in aberration frequencies measured by two scoring systems: the classical method, where reciprocal exchanges are scored as one event, and PAINT, where each break junction is scored as a single event. The two scoring systems gave highly correlated results which yielded an interpretable arithmetic relationship between frequency measurements using the two systems. Approximately 34% of all translocations were observed to be non-reciprocal, and cells bearing clones of abnormal cells were observed in 6 of 198 subjects (3.0%). Our results demonstrate that clones of abnormal cells and the presence of non-reciprocal translocations contribute to the non-proportional distribution of radiation-induced and spontaneous cytogenetic damage.

ＵＲＬ：http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1383571898001776

Radiation effects on the reproductive system of teleost fish – the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster

Title: Radiation effects on the reproductive system of teleost fish – the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster

Author: Belova, Natalia Vasilyevna

Reference: Moscow, 2008

Keywords: ichthyology, reproductive system, teleost fish, radiation factor, cesium-137, strontium-90, water reservoirs

Abstract: Research purpose; to give a comprehensive assessment of the radiation factor impact (137Cs and 90Sr contamination) after the Chernobyl disaster on the reproductive system and reproductive ability of some species of teleost fish in reservoirs of various types.

URL:http://www.dissercat.com/content/radiatsionnoe-vozdeistvie-na-vosproizvoditelnuyu-sistemu-kostistykh-ryb-posledstviya-cherno-0

A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF HEALTH EFFECTS IN EUROPE– TWO DECADES AFTER CHERNOBYL

Title: A COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF HEALTH EFFECTS IN EUROPE– TWO DECADES AFTER CHERNOBYL

Author: Seidel C., Maringer F.J., Bossew P

Reference: Proceedings series, Mar 2008, 260 p, IAEA, Vienna (Austria), International conference on Chernobyl: Looking back to go forward, Vienna (Austria), 6-7 Sep 2005

Keywords: Chernobyl, environmental contamination, radioactivity, radiation activity, radiation exposure, health consequences, cancer

Abstract: This report sums up radioactive environmental contamination due to the Chernobyl accident in 1986 in various regions all over Europe (Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, Sweden, Austria and Greece). Most of the radionuclides released with the reactor accident possess short-lives (e.g. 131I) of a few hours or several days and weeks or were deposed in low quantities (e.g. 90Sr). So the main focus was put on 137Cs, because this radionuclide has a long half-life (30 a), is measurable till this day and gives a presentable view of radiation exposure in contaminated regions. The decrease of 137Cs activity concentrations in soil, surface water, foodstuffs and air was shown in the course of time. The comparison of radioactive environmental contamination shows, that the 137Cs-activity concentration in nearly all media has decreased faster than the physical half-life. Part of this elaboration was also to describe the contribution of the reactor accident to the radiation exposure of selected population groups in the last 20 years. The second part of the report follows a valuation of European studies, which are linked to late health effects of the Chernobyl accident specially thyroid cancer, leukemia and other solid tumors. These studies has been discussed and evaluated. Only in countries with the highest impact like Ukraine, Belarus and Russia, an increased number of infant thyroid cancer has been observed but up to now no increases in leukemia or malignant deceases in this or other European countries can be detected

URL: http://www.colloquium.fr/06IRPA/CDROM/docs/P-040.pdf

Radiation condition and its social and psychological aspects

Title: Radiation condition and its social and psychological aspects

Author: V.P.Antonov

Reference: Publication of “Knowledge” Society [общество “Знание”] of the Ukrainian SSR, 1987

Keywords: radiation, social aspect, psychological aspect, liquidation

Abstract: As a result of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant a situation was developed that was unique in its scale and also in its historical experience, to which psychologically unprepared were not only the general public but also many experts, scientists, leaders.

URL: http://pripyat-city.ru/books/102-radiacionnaya-obstanovka.html