Abstract
<jats:p>Background. The long-term consequences of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (ChNPP) accident remain a subject of scientific and practical discussion due to the prolonged action of the radiation factor and the aging of affected populations. The need for an updated generalized assessment is driven by the accumulation of new epidemiological evidence and changes in the structure of morbidity. Objective. To analyze and summarize the long-term medical and epidemiological consequences of the ChNPP accident for the main categories of affected populations in Ukraine, taking into account dose-related, temporal, and clinical–epidemiological patterns. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted as an analytical review integrating data from the State Register of persons affected by the Chornobyl catastrophe, materials of radiation-hygienic and dosimetric monitoring, and the results of published clinical and epidemiological studies. The analysis was performed with consideration of dose-related, temporal, and clinical-epidemiological characteristics of the main categories of the affected population. Results. Forty years after the accident, the number of affected contingents has significantly decreased, while the incidence and prevalence of chronic somatic and oncological pathologies have increased. The main contribution to the structure of morbidity and mortality in the long term is formed by non-tumor diseases, primarily pathologies of the circulatory system, respiratory organs and endocrine system. Associations have been found between even low levels of radiation and long-term somatic and functional disorders. Oncological morbidity has specific radiation-dependent features for different categories of victims of the Chornobyl accident. Among the participants in the liquidation of the consequences of the accident – clean-up workers, especially those involved in 1986–1987, a consistently increased risk of certain malignant neoplasms with the presence of dose–response dependencies has been established. Conclusions. The significance of medical and radiological consequences lies in the fact that they have radiation-induced dose-dependent dynamics, are complex, multifactorial nature and concern significant contingents of the population. This justifies the need for long-term systemic medical, radiological and social support for the affected cohorts of population.</jats:p>