we analyzed questionnaire and physician examination data for 1560 new immigrants from the former ussr divided into three groups by potential exposure to chernobyl radiation . 
 two groups were chosen according to soil contamination by cesium-137 at former residences , as confirmed by our findings in a 137cs body burden study . 
 the third group consisted of " liquidators , " persons who worked at the chernobyl site after the disaster . 
 liquidators had greater self - reported incidences of symptoms commonly accepted as acute effects of radiation exposure , increases in prevalence of hypertension , and more health complaints . 
 excesses of bronchial asthma and health complaints were reported in children from the more exposed communities . 
 asthma prevalence in children potentially exposed in utero appears to be increased eightfold . 
 older adults from more exposed areas had more hypertension as assessed by history and measurements . 
 these findings suggest the possible association of radiation exposure with several nonmalignant effects.imagesfigure 1.figure 2.figure 3.figure 4 .