Polluted Places

N O M I N A T I O N / I N I T I A L R E P O R T

Muslyumova, Russia

Site Description
Human Exposure & Health Impact
Site Progress

Site Description

Location & Size of Site
Muslyumova is located 30 km downstream from the Mayak Chemical Combine on the banks of the River Techa. It was the village most exposed to the Combine's unregulated radioactive discharges from 1949-1956. People living in this town were exposed to 240 millisievert (mSv) between 1950 and 1951 and in 1956 people received an average dose of 350 mSv (maximum exposure level 1mSv=100 mrem).

Contaminant Type, Source & Quantity
Radioactive contaminants such as enriched uranium, plutonium, and cesium. The banks of the River Techa have high levels of radioactive contamination. However readings on the streets and areas away from the river were normal according to Blacksmith Institute's observations.

Transmission Pathways
The radioactivity is transmitted via air, water and soil. The vegetation is also contaminated and so are the animals from consuming it (milk was found to be radioactive).

Human Exposure & Health Impact

Number of Potentially Affected People
124,000

Health Impact of Pollutant

Records show patients suffering from chronic radiation disease;

Rates of leukemia have doubled, skin cancer rates quadrupled, increased incidence of cancer of the digestive system, bones and lungs;

The town population also suffers from higher rates of prematurely born babies, miscarriages and 30% of the babies are born with physical disorders or defects;

There are estimates that 50% of the men and women of child-bearing age are sterile.

Site Progress
February 2005: This site was visited by Blacksmith Institute. The radiation levels were measured by a Geiger counter at several locations in and around the River Techa. The levels seemed normal with the exception of a few hot spots on the River. Blacksmith Institute will fund the remediation of these areas.