The cancer and death rate studies that have been conducted among samples of the recorded liquidators have shown no direct correlation between radiation exposure at Chernobyl and increased cancer or death rates. The correlation between psychological problems and the status of liquidator is more clearly drawn, although the collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic troubles in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus may also be factors for psychological stress. Many Americans suffer from this disease as a result of the Gulf and Vietnam wars. Social welfare is also considered a major factor in the well being of liquidators, and fears that benefits might be cut are driving them to the streets in protest. Ukraine spends about five per cent of its annual budget on benefits for Chernobyl liquidators, which include a housing subsidy and free public transportation use.
Russian benefits are mainly health care related, and include free check-ups and medicines.
In addition to modest governmental benefits, liquidators are also supported by numerous non-governmental and international organizations, which mainly provide health care. The IAEA itself has assisted with technical activities, environmental and agricultural monitoring and rehabilitation.