Objective
The north-eastern part of Kazakhstan is considered a radiation polluted area. This pollution was caused by the testing of nuclear weapons on the Semipalatinsk polygon (atmospheric tests between 1949 and 1963 and underground tests between 1963 and 1989).
The radioecological situation is characterised by the fact that between 1949 and 1963 several thousand people were repeatedly irradiated with small doses of radiation. The consequences of this radiation on the health of the population has not been well documented, especially in the fields of cancer and fertility. Several places, situated on the polygon, are highly contaminated by radionucleides, involving the vegetal and human ecosystem.
This project concerns the study of the effects of nuclear testing on man and plants and the results will support the general scientific programme on radiation environment and health in Kazakhstan. The scientific epidemiological part of this project concerns the effects of repeated low-dose irradiation on human fertility in populations living near the polygon, such as malformations, miscarriages and infertility.
Concurrently, biological research will be performed on the consequences of possible genetic mutations among plants and animals living in areas highly contaminated by radionucleides, such as chronic low-dose rate irradiation. A multiscale mapping will be performed to determine the areas which could be recultivated without risk to cattle and subsequently to man.
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
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35062 Rennes
France