[Genetic or ecogenetic consequences of the Chernobyl accident? (facts and hypotheses)].

The results of investigations indicated the necessity of genetic monitoring in population using the data of family examination in medical genetic centres. Indices of the frequency of developmental abnormalities in newborns are not suitable for monitoring because they do not permit to differentiate between new mutations and inherited ones. The dissemination of these abnormalities among newborns in Kiev mostly coincides with the same index in other European regions and is lower than in Canada and West Australia. According to the data of Kiev regional medical genetics centre, about 80% of developmental abnormalities occur as a result of inherited mutations but not new ones. Under the conditions of environmental pollution, ecogenetic consequences assume a new importance.