[A micronucleus analysis of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the professional contingent and of the self-settlers in the exclusion zone of the Chernobyl Atomic Electric Power Station].

The chromosomal damage (micronuclei) of the peripheral blood lymphocytes of the group of professionals who had participated in the liquidation of the Chernobyl NPP accident and have continued their work at the "Shelter" and of the group of self-settlers who living for about ten year in the Chernobyl NPP alienation zone were studied. Residents of Kyïv were the group for comparison. It was found that in professionals the number of micronuclei was higher due to the presence of cells with several micronuclei while in the self-settlers it was due to the increase in the number of cells with one micronucleus. Also was determined the correlation between the frequency of micronuclei in the lymphocytes of the self-settlers on the one hand and the level of radionuclides contamination of territory and dose loading on the other.