Journal of Environmental Health Sciences (한국환경보건학회지)

Korean Society of Environmental Health (한국환경보건학회)
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Health Effects of the Chernobyl Accident

체르노빌 사고의 건강 영향

  • Jeong, Mee-Seon (Radiation Health Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd.) ;
  • Jin, Young-Woo (Radiation Health Research Institute, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd.)
  • 정미선 (한국수력원자력(주) 방사선보건연구원 방사선영향연구팀) ;
  • 진영우 (한국수력원자력(주) 방사선보건연구원 방사선영향연구팀)
  • Received : 2011.08.17
  • Accepted : 2011.08.22
  • Published : 2011.08.31
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Abstract

The Chernobyl accident was a terrible catastrophe for humanity. Scientists are in concurrence about an increase of thyroid cancer incidence among children, but not among adults, because even areas less contaminated by radiation have also reported an increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer. In this case, the rise might be due to a screening effect. There is no convincing evidence that the incidence of leukemia and solid cancer has increased among the exposed populations, but it still remains a controversial issue. Additionally, apparent evidence of decreased fertility and increased hereditary effects have not been observed in the general population. WHO suggested 4,000 people could have died or may die in the future among emergency workers and residents of the most contaminated areas, while Greenpeace insists there will be 93,080 victims around the world. The radiation dose due to Chernobyl was mainly low, so if its health effects are to be found, more long-term and welldesigned research will be needed.

Keywords

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