What are the long-term health risks of radiation exposure from nuclear accidents? This paper presents a qualitative assessment of thyroid cancer morbidity and mortality in Belarus following the Chernobyl accident. It analyzes data from 1986 to 1998, revealing the number of radiation-induced thyroid cancers and related fatalities. During the specified period, approximately 3,851 radiation-induced thyroid cancers appeared in Belarus, affecting both children and adults. The study calculates the excessive absolute risk (EAR) of morbidity and mortality, finding values consistent with those established in other epidemiological studies. These findings provide critical insights into the long-term health consequences of radiation exposure. By quantifying the risk associated with the Chernobyl accident, this research contributes to a better understanding of radiation-induced health effects. It informs future risk assessments, emergency response planning, and public health strategies for populations exposed to radiation. The values obtained are aligned with analogous coefficients.
Published in Environmental Management and Health, this paper aligns with the journal’s focus on environmental health risks. While journal categories are unavailable, the research directly addresses the health consequences of environmental incidents and radiation exposure, aligning with the journal's objective of promoting discussions about health and the environment.