The cytogenetic effects in the population of the Altai Territory subjected to ionizing radiation exposure as a result of the nuclear explosions at the Semipalatinsk proving grounds

: The cytogenetic examination of 178 persons living in seven settlements of the Altai region exposed to ionizing radiation during Semipalatinsk nuclear tests in 1949-1962 was carried out. It was shown that more than 80% of absorbed dose was due to the first nuclear explosion in 1949. The frequency of chromosome aberrations (dicentrics and rings) significantly exceeded the control level. The linear correlation between the dicentrics and rings frequency and absorbed dose was found. The cells with more than one aberrations were revealed in irradiated persons. This is supposed to be the result of 239Pu alpha-radiation.