Analysis of blood samples indicates no evidence of thyroid disease in any group. In Ukrainian subjects, white blood cell counts were lower and mean corpuscular volumes were higher than in the U.S. researchers, but there was no significant difference among groups. From this preliminary study, we cannot unambiguously determine whether the observed increase in MN erythrocytes were the direct result of exposure to radiation, some unknown confounding factor, or a synergistic interaction between these. Further study of a larger cohort is needed to determine if these chromosomal aberrations are stable and truly indicative of any long-term health risk of exposure to the fallout from Chornobyl. No chronic disease states Conclusions Highest counts were observed in those recently exposed to the exclusion zone OR those with the highest magnitude of exposure.
Data suggest a linear relationship between time since first exposure and magnitude of exposure.
10,000 erythrocytes per individual were examined . The reference group is comprised of residents of Slavutych, Ukraine. The study groups have been occupationally exposed to Chornobyl radiation.