Effects of Techa River Radiation Contamination on the Reproductive Function of Residents
Abstract
Studies of the effects of radiation on reproductive function in large populations have revealed uncertain and sometimes contradictory results. Radiation from nuclear weapons has been implicated in transient amenorrhea, earlier menopause, and altered sex ratios in offspring but no difference from control populations with regard to fertility, spontaneous abortions, and stillbirth rates was noted. Russian studies of radiochemical plant employees exposed to external gamma radiation and incorporation of Pu239 have shown unstable hypomenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, and, in chronic radiation syndrome (CRS) patients, increased spontaneous abortions but no effects on pregnancy or labor. This study reviews the effects of chronic external and internal radiation exposure on the populations living along the Techa River, including persons with CRS. Although delayed menarche was noted, earlier menopause was not, unlike in Japan. Sex ratios of offspring were altered, the direction depending upon whether the father or mother was irradiated. The statistical means for certain neonatal physical parameters (length, weight, head circumference) were not changed if the parents were irradiated, but deviations in both directions from the mean were associated with increased exposure. Congenital developmental defects of offspring of CRS patients were increased but not overall neonatal death rates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA457491
Entities
People
- M. M. Kosenko