Distribution of individual cesium levels in residents of the western districts of Bryansk region in the first year after the Chernobyl accident

Results of a large-scale radiometric survey of the population in the western areas of Bryansk region have been analyzed. Over 80 thousand measurements were made within a relatively short time interval (August-September, 1986) using same type of devices (SRP-68-01) and technique. The individual levels of cesium specific activity in the body have been shown to differ depending on sex, age and occupation, as well as protective measures undertaken in a specific settlement. Special attention is paid to children's exposure. In the towns of Novozybkov and Zlynka and in some villages not assigned to the strict control zone in 1986, the internal dose rates for children under 3 years old were found to be higher than settlement-averaged values for adults. Results of the performed analysis can be used to determine more accurately accumulated doses and to estimate personalized internal radiation doses for residents of the territories affected by radioactive contamination following the Chernobyl accident.