Chernobyl Nuclear Accident

On April 26, 1986, an accident occurred at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine. In addition to 28 near-term deaths due to radiation, the accident resulted in the exposure of 5 million people in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine to fallout from the accident, principally radioiodines.

DCEG Studies of Radiation and Health Effects

This exposure has led to substantial epidemiological research, especially among clean-up workers and children. The governments of Ukraine, Belarus, and the United States (namely the Radiation Epidemiology Branch at NCI), and other research partners, have been conducting these studies.

DCEG Research on Chernobyl

Research conducted by DCEG investigators falls into three main categories: Epidemiological, Molecular Genomic, and Dosimetric. For more information, contact Elizabeth K. Cahoon, Ph.D., or read more about DCEG research on Chernobyl.

Researchers and Collaborators

Dr. Gilbert W. Beebe (1912–2003) and fellow NCI staff launched multidisciplinary studies in cooperation with many international radiation experts as well as investigators from Belarus and Ukraine. See the full list of researchers and collaborators for Chernobyl research.

About the Chernobyl Accident

Learn more details about the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

Study Publications from Chernobyl Research

The research into the effects of the Chernobyl accident has resulted in numerous scientific papers. Obtain a list of Chernobyl study publications.