Re: Sydney Morning Herald says 5000 died of radiation at Chernobyl

[maury <maury@webtexas.com>]

[Very large numerical error in the Telegraph]



Dear Editors;;

Re: your news article:

Chernobyl threat ignored for years

    By Askold Krushelnycky in Prague

    (Filed: 08/05/2003)



I would be most grateful if you or Mr. Krushelnycky might tell me the

source for attributing 5,000 deaths to the Chernobyl accident. You will

find on more careful examination of reputable scientific sources that 31

deaths were attributable to Chernobyl. Through 1998, there were about

1,800 cases of thyroid cancer. These are found in individuals who have

been exposed as young children and appears to be increasing at the rate

of about 200 cases per year. Thyroid cancers may continue for several

years, but they are treatable and rarely fatal.



One of the best information sources for data on the health effects of

Chernobyl is UNSCEAR 2000 -- the detailed results of a definitive study

carried out by the UN Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic

Radiation. This challenge of the 5,000 number is not intended at all to

diminish the dreadful impact of Chernobyl on the peoples of that region,

but 31 to 5,000 is quite a stretch. The international regard for your

fine newspaper will be enhanced by ensuring that this error is either

corrected or at least that it cannot recur.



http://www.undp.org/dpa/publications/chernobyl.pdf



Very truly yours,

Maury Siskel

maury@webtexas.com

Ft. Worth, Texas, USA









http://www.undp.org/dpa/publications/chernobyl.pdf



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