A radiation-hygienic appraisal of biosphere contamination with 129I

Data are reviewed supplied by the author and other investigators on 129I formation, migration, the level of foodstuffs contamination, and biological effectiveness of the nuclide. An appraisal is made of the biological hazards associated with environmental contamination with a view to the prospective development of the nuclear power industry. It is concluded that the contribution of 129I to the radiation dose humans receive is extremely small as compared with other anthropogenic sources of radiation. In the light of the current knowledge, the possibility of somatic and genetic effects due to the contamination of the biosphere with 129I is negligible. (author)