Premi UAB de la Fundació Autònoma Solidària (FAS) als millors Treballs de Fi de Grau sobre desenvolupament sostenible i justícia global. 4a Edició, curs 2019/2020The goal of this project is to study the effects recuperative holidays have on the health of children affected by radiation from the Chernobyl nuclear accident. This is accomplished by reviewing data on child 137Cs body burdens, provided by NGOs participating in recuperative holiday programmes in Belarus, and interviews of the same organizations. A statistical analysis and subsequent modelling of provided data has been conducted, showing consistent reduction in 137Cs body burden during stays away from the contaminated area, and rates of excretion and incorporation. The reduction however is not significant over time, as the original amount of 137Cs in the body is almost re-established within a year following a stay abroad. The participants improve in social and psychological aspects, and benefit from the establishment of a support network. Therefore, focus from recuperative holiday programmes should prioritize these benefits. Long-term solutions to more permanently reduce body burden should also be developed
