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Radiocesium in children from Belarus
B L Tracy1, G H Kramer, K Gamarnik
1Bureau of Radiation and Medical Devices, Department of National Health and Welfare, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Health Physics
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Cesium-137 (137Cs) body burdens in Chernobyl-exposed Belarusian children visiting Canada were comparable to natural potassium-40 levels. Radiocesium was cleared with a 33-day half-time, showing minimal change between 1991 and 1992.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Radiological Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Children from Belarus exposed to Chernobyl fallout visited Canada in 1991-1992.
- Cesium-137 (137Cs) is a significant radionuclide from nuclear fallout.
- Assessing internal radionuclide contamination is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure 137Cs body burdens in Chernobyl-exposed children.
- To evaluate the elimination rate of 137Cs.
- To correlate body burdens with fallout levels and assess temporal changes.
Main Methods:
- Whole-body measurements of 137Cs were conducted on 74 children (aged 8-12).
- Data were collected during summer visits in 1991 and 1992.
- Radiocesium elimination half-time was calculated.
Main Results:
- 137Cs body burdens ranged from 0.04-2.25 kBq, comparable to natural 40K.
- No significant age or sex dependence was observed.
- Mean 137Cs elimination half-time was 33 days (range: 12-77 days).
- Body burdens correlated with regional fallout but showed little change from 1991-1992.
Conclusions:
- Chernobyl-exposed children had low to moderate 137Cs body burdens.
- The body burdens were comparable to natural radioactivity.
- Radiocesium was effectively eliminated, indicating limited ongoing exposure during their stay.