Chernobyl Death Toll?

[JEW1%LRN%DCPP@bangate.pge.com]

Dear Radsafers,

Today the NY Times had a blurb about Ukraine planning to shutdown all the 
Chernobyl plants by the year 2000. In the article the Times states that the 
1986 accident has claimed nearly 8,000 lives so far. What I wonder is: where 
are they getting this number? It sounds suspiciously like a Union of 
"Concerned Scientists". Any thoughts?

BTW: I just got a handsome pack of info from "Californians for Ward Valley", a 
coalition promoting the responsible, safe disposal of low-level radioactive 
waste. If you would like to get a packet yourself, the number is
 (800) 225-4987, FAX (619) 632-9603

For a safer nuclear world,
J. Ellsworth Weaver

Snail Mail: 119/2/247, PO Box 56, Avila Beach, CA, USA 93424
Email: JEW1@PGE.COM
Phone: (805) 545-3029
Fax:   (805) 545-3545

Mandatory Disclaimer: PG&E has enough trouble without trying to be responsible 
for my correspondence.