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Chernobyl aftermath

letter in The Guardian, September 8 2005

SINCE one of the primary functions of the International Atomic Energy Authority is to promote the use of nuclear power, it is not surprising that the conference it is leading this week should come out with statements which downplay the consequences of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Your article (Chernobyl death toll under 50, September 6) quotes the report launched at the conference as claiming that there have been "no profound negative health impacts" to the population, other than those who were involved in putting out the fire at the plant.

In contrast, the Swiss Medical Weekly published the findings of the Clinical Institute of Radiation Medicine in Minsk, which showed the cancer rate had risen in Belarus by 40% between 1990 and 2000. In the Gomel region, the most contaminated area, this figure is 55%. Many of these cancers are of the stomach, rectum or bladder, indicating food as the most significant contributory cause. Anyone who has visited hospitals in Gomel will have heard of the blood diseases found in young children which are normally associated with old age; the high level of heart disease; respiratory problems; and of the babies recently born with rare genetic disorders.

UK charities working to support the families living in the shadow of Chernobyl will be working to raise awareness about the ongoing effects of the world's worst nuclear accident. Our most difficult task will be to combat the propaganda of the nuclear industry.

Linda Walker
Chernobyl Children's Project (UK)