Radiation effects on the population of Belarus after the Chernobyl accident and the prediction of stochastic effects.

ABSTRACT

Evaluation of conditions of exposure during the post-accident period makes it possible to identify two periods in the radiation exposure of Belarus's population. As a result of our investigations we obtained data about doses for four different categories in the exposed population people who lived in the contaminated territories without evacuation and relocation; evacuated people cleanup workers ("liquidators"); and people who were exposed in childhood, especially for thyroid exposure. The total doses for these categories in different time periods were analysed. Evaluation of doses received by the Belarusian population due to the Chernobyl accident shows no evidence of doses, that could lead to the deterministic consequences of radiation exposure. For all exposed groups we made predictions about different types of stochastic consequences of exposure.