[The hematological effects of the Chernobyl accident in children]

A total of 878 children from the regions with unfavourable radiation situation were investigated in varying periods after the catastrophe. The data obtained were compared with the results of the study of 317 children from "pure" regions. Morphological, metabolic and ultrastructural changes were detected in blood cells of the children from radioactively contaminated regions after the Chernobyl catastrophe. A tendency to normalization of these parameters was noted in the time course of the post-catastrophe period. No clear relationship was established between the dose and effect. However, significant correlations between the severity of disorders in blood cells and the intensity of free-radical processes in the body were recorded.