The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster remains one of the most severe man-made catastrophes in human history. Its consequences extended far beyond the immediate explosion, affecting millions of lives and reshaping medical science for decades to come, DKNews.kz reports.
How radiation influenced human health, whether its effects can be inherited, and how Chernobyl changed the global approach to medicine were explained by Marina Vladimirovna Kostyuchenko, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Associate Professor and Professor of Disaster Medicine at Pirogov University.
Radiation and its long-term health impact
The explosion and subsequent release of radioactive substances contaminated vast territories with radionuclides. The most dangerous for human health were iodine-131, cesium-137 and strontium-90.
Iodine-131 had the most direct impact on the thyroid gland, leading to a sharp increase in thyroid cancer cases. According to the World Health Organization, more than 6,000 cases of thyroid cancer were recorded during the first two decades after the accident among people who were children at the time of the disaster. Epidemiological studies have confirmed a clear correlation between iodine-131 contamination levels and tumor incidence.
Cesium-137, with a half-life of around 30 years, remains in the environment for decades and accumulates in muscle tissue, causing chronic internal radiation exposure. Research has shown increased risks of cardiovascular disease, immune system disorders and psycho-emotional disturbances among individuals exposed to prolonged radiation.
Beyond radiation: the invisible consequences
According to Professor Kostyuchenko, the health impact of Chernobyl cannot be assessed solely by radiation doses. Evacuation, loss of homes, disruption of social ties, constant fear of radiation and stigmatization of residents from contaminated areas led to widespread psychological distress.
Chronic stress, anxiety disorders and depression became common, significantly worsening overall health and reducing life expectancy, often regardless of the actual radiation exposure level.
Can radiation effects be inherited?
One of the most sensitive and frequently asked questions is whether radiation-related health problems can be passed on to future generations.
Large-scale studies conducted by the World Health Organization, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and other scientific institutions have shown that inherited genetic risks in humans are much lower than previously assumed, especially compared to early data based on animal studies.
Most severe radiation-induced mutations are incompatible with life and result in spontaneous miscarriages at early stages of pregnancy, meaning they are not passed on. Milder mutations, if they occur, may persist in populations as genetic polymorphisms. Their impact on health is usually minimal and depends on many factors, including environment and lifestyle.
If a mutation does not interfere with survival or reproduction, it may persist across generations without causing significant disease.
How Chernobyl transformed medicine
The massive radiation exposure of the population, emergency responders and nuclear plant personnel required an immediate response from medical science and public health systems. Chernobyl became a turning point in the development of several medical disciplines.
Radiation epidemiology emerged as an independent field. Significant progress was made in radiation oncology, endocrinology, radiobiology, radiation hygiene and preventive medicine. Diagnostic methods, treatment approaches and long-term monitoring systems for radiation-exposed populations were substantially improved.
In many ways, Chernobyl forced medicine to learn how to manage the long-term consequences of technological disasters in a systematic and evidence-based manner.
A lesson that still matters
Chernobyl changed not only individual lives but also humanity’s understanding of technological risk, responsibility and public health preparedness. Its consequences continue to be studied, and the knowledge gained remains crucial for protecting human health in the face of future challenges.
