Effects of Chernobyl - Vladimir Bebeshko Interview
Chernobyl Will Continue to Have a Long-term Effect
Following up on the quote I posted yesterday regarding radiation exposure in the Chernobyl Zone, the following is a rough translation of a short interview I found with Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine. In the interview, first published by Rambler Media (Russian language) on 4/25/2007, Bebeshko asserts that the health of Ukrainians has deteriorated not because of economic difficulties, but as a direct result of the Chernobyl accident.
That was an interesting interview, however I'm not sure there is scientific evidence that eating sea kale would help protect you from radiation exposure. I hope I'm never in that situation because I am not a big fan of those foods, though I do occasionally eat apples.
Originally Published in Russian language 4/25/2007 - Rambler Media - "Чернобыль еще долго будет давать о себе знать"
Following up on the quote I posted yesterday regarding radiation exposure in the Chernobyl Zone, the following is a rough translation of a short interview I found with Vladimir Bebeshko, the General Director of the Scientific Center of Radiation Medicine AMN of Ukraine. In the interview, first published by Rambler Media (Russian language) on 4/25/2007, Bebeshko asserts that the health of Ukrainians has deteriorated not because of economic difficulties, but as a direct result of the Chernobyl accident.
How do you evaluate the present attitude of the world community to the Chernobyl catastrophe?
International experts attempt to reduce this catastrophe to only a radiation emergency. Our scientists insist that Chernobyl has had a complex impact on the population, and on the ability to live in the country, which has led to recession of the gross national product, poverty, decrease in birth rate, and other similar things. This is especially noticeable in the contaminated territories.
And how do the international organizations explain their position?
The IAEA insists that people's health has deteriorated because of the economic situation worsening, a decrease in the standard of living. We cannot prove that it is a result of the influence of ionizing radiation. We do not have clearly substantiated criteria for the estimation and similar conculsions. But those from the IAEA are unacceptable to us. Because the IAEA does not recognize the negative influence of small radiation doses, it only considers as victims, those receiving high [doses]. For example, the 26 firement who participated in extinguishing the fire at ChAES [Chernobyl Plant], and those who died of irradiation in 1986.
How dangerous are small doses?
They act on human organisms at the cellular level, and this subsequently is shown. In three countries injured by Chernobyl during the first 5 years after the accident were found more than five thousand cases of cancer of ???(щитовидки) in children. And today, participants in the liquidation of the accident and people who were in the Zone from April through August 1986 have become ill with cancer of the thyroid gland. Until August, the action of radioactive iodine was sufficient protection.
Therefore, Chernobyl will continue into the future?
Yes. The disturbances in the functions of organs and systems can pass into the organic pathologies. In the post-accident period, iodine was for us the heaviest. Children have suffered immune and endocrine systems, infringement of the regulation of the organism is gone. But this Vegetovascular Dystonia Syndrome of fatigue, increased blood pressure are complex symptoms. Specifically, all this now provokes different diseases. Cardiovascular system, kidney, liver, bronchi, lungs, hemopoietic organs - they are all open to the influence of radiation. They need to be protected.
[Note: Vegetovascular Dystonia Syndrome is an inaccurately translated Russian term. In the West it is known as autonomic neuropathy, mostly affecting the cardiovascular system.]
How can you decrease the influence of radiation on an organism?
It is worthwhile to use iodized salt, sea kale, sea products, pectins - apples, pumpkin or melon. They all decrease radionuclides. Well, certainly, it is necessary to go participate in sports, eat correctly and be an optimist.
That was an interesting interview, however I'm not sure there is scientific evidence that eating sea kale would help protect you from radiation exposure. I hope I'm never in that situation because I am not a big fan of those foods, though I do occasionally eat apples.
Originally Published in Russian language 4/25/2007 - Rambler Media - "Чернобыль еще долго будет давать о себе знать"
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