Late effects of dietary radiocesium intake in residents of territories contaminated with radionuclides following atmospheric nuclear testings in the Semipalatinsk test site

The Altai Republic and its population were repeatedly exposed to radiation following atmospheric nuclear testings carried out in the Semipalatinsk test site between 1949 over 1962. After the testings completion the residents of the affected territories were exposed mainly to internal radiation due to intake of local food - meat, milk, bread and potato - contaminated with 137Cs. In the article we present estimates of health effects of the radiological events on population of the Altai Republic made in different times after the completion of the nuclear testings in the Semipalatinsk Test Site. For the research on 137Cs specific activity in the local food stuff produced in the Altai Republic and the Altai Krai from1966 over 1985 was measured and analyzed. Annual individual effective doses from dietary radiocesium intake received by adult Altai residents were calculated, prognosis for late health effects of the testings on population of the Altai Republic was assessed. According to estimates effect of internal exposure on late health effects reduced from 2.6% (1975-1985) to 0.6% (2001-2010).