HUMAN CYTOGENETIC CONSEQUENCES OF THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT

The frequency of chromosomal aberrations was evaluated in more than 50 0 liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. The 'sarcophagus' builders an d the dosimetrists showed the highest frequency of aberrations per 100 cells: 3.24 +/- 0.25 and 3.11 +/- 0.43. For Chernobyl Atomic Power St ation staff members the mean frequencies of aberrations per 100 cells was 2.37 +/- 0.20. The mean yields of aberrations in the other groups was between 1.31 and 1.47 per 100 cells. If the mean frequencies of ab errations are converted into equivalent whole body doses, values betwe en 136 and 414 mGy are obtained. Especially in the group of 'sarcophag us' builders, the yields of aberrations varied interindividually and c orresponded to equivalent whole body doses of up to about 2 Gy.