The Local Health Impact of Atmospheric Nuclear Weapons Testing

More than 450 nuclear tests were conducted at the first Soviet nuclear test site near Semipalatinsk (Kazakhstan) between 1949 and 1989. Until present, little information is available on the local health impact of atmospheric nuclear testing in the areas adjacent to the Semipalatinsk test site. This book provides an insight into the epidemiology of radiation and cancer and investigates local fallout exposures both in Kazakhstan and in the Altai region (Russian Federation). It includes a historical overview of dosimetric and health records and new data analyses from on-going epidemiological studies. The estimation of radiation risk is discussed with respect to methodology as well as in a broader public health context.