Late Cancer and Noncancer Risks Among Chernobyl Emergency Workers of Russia

Abstract

The presented work summarizes data on estimated radiation risks among Chernobyl emergency workers of the Russian Federation. In 1991-1998, the excess relative risk (ERR) of death from malignant neoplasm was statistically significant: excess relative risk per 1 Gy (ERR/Gy)=2.11 with 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.31-2.92). In 1991-2001, the ERR estimation for incident solid cancers gives a positive, but statistically insignificant value: ERR/Gy=0.34 with 95% CI (-0.39; 1.22). In 1986-2003, radiation risk for leukemia incidence was investigated. During the first 10 y after the Chernobyl accident (1986-1996) the relative risk (RR) of leukemia (excluding chronic lymphocytic leukemia) was statistically significant: RR=2.2 with 95% CI (1.3-3.8) for emergency workers with doses>0.15 Gy in comparison with less exposed workers. In 1986-2000, a statistically significant dose response was observed for incident cerebrovascular diseases: ERR/Gy=0.39, 95% CI=(0.004; 0.77). For doses>0.15 Gy a statistically significant risk of cerebrovascular diseases as a function of mean daily dose was observed: ERR per 0.1 Gy d(-1)=2.17 with 95% CI=(0.64; 3.69). Different but overlapping cohorts of Russian emergency workers were used for these estimations. No adjustments were made for recognized risk factors for cerebrovascular diseases. All results should be considered as preliminary.

Is cancer risk of radiation workers larger than expected?

“…ERR, excess relative risk; ORNL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.*95% confidence interval.†Canadian data excluded from 15-countries study.‡Summarised by Ivanov et al 25 in 2007, and therefore included in our analysis.§After correction for dose uncertainties. The result without this correction is 5.4 (0.5 to 12.6) Gy −1 .…”

POTENTIAL ROLE OF MILK THISTLE SEED AND ITS OIL EXTRACTS AGAINST HEART AND BRAIN INJURIES INDUCED BY Γ-Radiation EXPOSURE

“…The elevation in MDA levels in heart and brain tissues, after γ-radiation exposure, indicates the oxidative stress due to lipid peroxidation process. Epidemiological data indicates an association between increased risks of cardiovascular disease and enhanced oxidative stress in populations exposed to ionizing radiation [37][38][39][40][41]. Treatment of γ-radiation damage effect using S. marianum seeds extract and its oil fraction led to an elevation in GSH and MT levels in heart and brain tissues.…”

Leukemia Following the Chernobyl Accident

“…This paper examines the epidemiologic evidence relating to some of the other health consequences of the Chernobyl accident, and in particular focuses on leukemia. It should be noted that the evidence concerning Russian cleanup workers, and in particular their subsequent risk of leukemia, has already been covered by Ivanov (2007) in his accompanying paper and is not further addressed in the present paper.…”

“…A number of studies of Russian cleanup workers have appeared as already discussed by Ivanov (2007). A study of cleanup workers in Ukraine (Buzunov et al 1996) found that workers who first worked at Chernobyl in 1986 had increased risk of leukemia relative to those who first worked in a later year.…”