Chornobyl Accident: Radiation and Health Effects
On April 26, 1986, an accident occurred at the Chornobyl 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 Chornobyl
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 Chornobyl.
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 Chornobyl research.
About the Chornobyl Accident
Learn more details about the 1986 accident at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.
Study Publications from Chornobyl Research
The research into the effects of the Chornobyl accident has resulted in numerous scientific papers. Obtain a list of Chornobyl study publications.