Hematological malignancies in the Republic of Belarus after the Chernobyl accident

Abstract

The data on post Chernobyl hematological malignancies incidence rates in Belarus are plotted. No statistically significant increase of incidence rates in childhood is observed in contrast to adults. However, no direct association of the incidence rates with a radiation factor is discovered 10 years following Chernobyl. Some indirect correlations are found like chemical pollutions and a possible synergistic effect of the latter with ionising radiation exposure may appear as risk factors for these diseases. Adults demonstrate a significant increase of morbidity due to these malignancies after the Chernobyl disaster.