The current levels of 137Cs in the body of residents of populated areas of the Bryansk region according to the results of radiation and hygienic survey

Measurements of the 137 Cs content in the bodies of residents of the territories radioactively contaminated due to the Chernobyl accident using a whole body counter (spectrometer) provide the most accurate assessment in determining the levels of radiation exposure to the population. The object of this study was analysis of results of 137 Cs measurements with a whole body counter. Materials and methods: In 2019-2022 measurements of the 137 Cs content in the bodies of more than 10 thousand residents of the southwestern territories of the Bryansk region were carried out. Research results and discussion: The results of measurements of the 137 Cs content in the bodies of residents of the surveyed settlements are presented. The highest levels of 137 Cs were measured in residents whose diet included such natural products as wild meat and wild mushrooms. It is shown that the average levels of 137 Cs in the bodies of residents of small settlements (up to 100 residents) are higher than that for residents of other settlements. Conclusion: Analysis of the obtained results allowed us to conclude that it is necessary to separate settlements with a population of less than 100 people into a specific category. Analysis of the distribution characteristics of the normalized values of specific activity of 137 Cs in the body of preschool children who do not attend child care institutions confirmed the justification for separating this category in dosimetric models.