Assessment of Radiation Risks of Cataract Morbidity Among Liquidators of the Consequences of the Accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Allowing for Impact of Concomitant Diseases

Purpose: To assess the radiation risk of cataracts among Chernobyl clean-up workers (liquidators), considering impact concomitant diseases on this and to determine dose threshold for development cataracts. Material methods: Radiation risks cataract incidence were studied in cohort liquidators consequences accident at nuclear power plant, observed system National Epidemiological Register (NRER) from 1986 2021. Among 62,828 male liquidators, 9,461 new cases detected. The average age beginning exposure was 34 years, absorbed external gamma whole body 0.132 Gy, maximum 1.5 duration 2.5 months. analyze relationships with other dose, a statistical method link analysis, free type distribution, as well logistic regression models, used. Results: who did not have diagnoses diabetes mellitus, hypoparathyroidism, malnutrition myotonic disorders depends presence patient: glaucoma (ICD-10 H40–H42), hyperopia (H52.0), myopia (H52.1) or presbyopia (H52.4). For comorbidities, is statistically significant only 15 years after exposure, an excess relative ERR/Gy=0.46 90 % CI (0.06; 0.90). without ERR/Gy decrease over time: 4.42 (0.72; 13.41) first 5 zero exposure. Nonparametric estimates (RR) groups are consistent linear non-threshold (LNT) model. determination according LNT model, accordance recommendations ICRP, leads 1.2 Gy 13.3 depending absence liquidators. Conclusions: At present, there no epidemiological evidence reducing equivalent limit lens eye occupational planned situations level 150 mSv per year, previously established by ICRP 2007 current Russian safety standards NRB-99/2009.