Values and structure of dose burdens in small mammals of the Chernobyl zone in 19 years after the accident

Abstract

Comparative analysis of published data concerning dose burdens in Chernobyl’s wild small mammals are given, as well as own assessment for the conditions of year 2005. According to the calculations total values of absorbed doses and structure of contributions from various sources depend on features concrete animal species and ecological characteristics of sites. In 2005 the contribution of incorporated radionuclides (90Sr, 137Cs) averaged 55 % of absorbed dose, external beta-irradiation – 21 %, external gamma-irradiation – 23%. On some areas of the Chernobyl zone even in 19 years after the accident small mammals are getting dose burdens up to 1 - 50 mGy/day.