Bandazhevsky Yu. I., Dubovaya N. F.
Ivankov: PI Coordination and Analytical Center «Ecology and health», — Kyiv : «Aliant» LLC, 2021. 44 p.
ISBN 978-617-7819-10-2

The book is dedicated to the impact of forest fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone on the health of children living in nearby localities. In addition, we have presented materials on levels of radioactive substances in the soil and forest trees of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and adjacent districts.

A blood level of homocysteine, a product of the essential amino acid methionine, was used as an integrative indicator that reflects the development of pathological processes in a child's body. The studies have shown an increase in the blood level of homocysteine in the group of adolescent children in 79.8% of cases after forest fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. The increase in cases of hyperhomocysteinemia in some subgroups of children, formed taking into account the genotypes of the folate cycle, was 10.8 - 35.3 % (in the total group - 22.6 %). The results of studies of changes in the level of homocysteine in the blood of the same children are consistent with the results of the comparative analysis of blood homocysteine levels in children from two districts before and after the fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone.

We have presented data that the highest level of homocysteine and the lowest level of folic acid in the blood were found in children in the presence of homozygous carriership of the T risk allele of the MTHFR:677 genetic polymorphism which controls the synthesis of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. However, a more pronounced reaction to a forest fire was reported in children with a genotype composed of neutral C/C alleles of this polymorphism. It is concluded that the increase in the blood concentration of homocysteine in children after the fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is associated with radioactive agents that spread with air currents.

The book presents the results of the analysis of an association between hyperhomocysteinemia and thyroid dysfunction and mineral metabolism, taking into account the genetic system of the folate cycle.

Based on the results obtained, it can be reasonably stated that forest fires in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone have a negative effect on the metabolism of homocysteine, and hence methionine, in children living in nearby localities. This results in the development of serious diseases that lead to disability and mortality of the population.

Due to high levels of contamination with radionuclides, and as a result, the danger to human health, the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone cannot be used for tourism and entertainment activities.

The book is intended for physicians of all specialties, ecologists, scientists, specialists in the field of radiation protection, all those involved in the consequences of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

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