Significance of synergistic interaction of ionizing radiation and other unhealthy factors for strengthening of Chernobyl accident consequences

The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate a possible significance of synergistic interaction of ionizing radiation and other unhealthy factors for strengthening of Chernobyl accident consequences. Basing on a numerous experimental data, the universal lows of synergism are derived, which are independent on agents applied, biological objects and effects observed. A new conception of mechanism of synergistic interaction is proposed. A mathematical model based on this conception is developed. The comparison of this model with experimental data demonstrated the applicability of the model proposed for prediction of the synergy, its highest value and the condition under which it can be achieved. A lot of universal predictions of this model have been revealed, the cardinal of which being formulated as follows. First of all, there is an optimal ratio of acting agents providing the highest synergistic effect. Secondly, any deviation of this ratio from optimal one resulted in a decrease of the synergy. And at last, the synergy depends on the intensity of the agents employed: at a smaller intensity of ionizing radiation or other physical factors (or the concentration of the chemical agents), one has to reduce the intensity of another factor (for instance, the acting temperature) to preserve the highest synergistic effect. These data, in principle, indicate a potential significance of synergistic interaction at low intensity of adverse factors encountered in the natural environment. Some examples of the significance of synergistic interaction of various agents for strengthening of Chernobyl accident consequences are presented.