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Reduced lung function in children associated with cesium 137 body burden
Erik R Svendsen1,2, Ighor E Kolpakov3, Wilfried J J Karmaus4
11 Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Annals of the American Thoracic Society
|June 16, 2015
Summary
Children exposed to radioactive Cesium 137 (137Cs) from Chernobyl soil contamination continue to experience lung function deficits. Higher internal 137Cs burden is linked to reduced lung function and increased odds of respiratory impairment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Radiological Health
Background:
- Previous research linked Cesium 137 (137Cs) soil contamination from Chernobyl to pediatric lung function deficits.
- This study investigates the persistence of these associations in a Ukrainian cohort.
Observation:
- 517 children aged 8-17 years in a contaminated area underwent spirometry and whole-body counting.
- Individual radiation concentration was measured using a whole-body counter and γ-spectrometer.
Findings:
- Decreased FEV1/FVC and increased odds of bronchodilator responsiveness and restrictive impairment were associated with higher weight-adjusted 137Cs whole-body burden.
- The geometric median weight-adjusted 137Cs concentration was 65.96 Bq/kg, corresponding to a mean internal dose of 0.165 mSv/yr.
Implications:
- Respiratory health deficits persist in children residing near the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
- Individual Cesium 137 burden confirms the link between Chernobyl contamination and long-term lung function impairment.
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