After the Chernobyl accident Austria was among the countries with the highest radioactive fallout. In order to have a sufficient data base for further risk evaluation for the infant population, we monitored 131I and 134+137Cs (Na-scintillation detector and Germanium detector) in cow's milk (n=2347), human milk (n=238) and infant formula (n=118) longitudinally from 1986 to 1992. From these data and from average food consumption values, we calculated averago nucleid intake for hypothetical infants under different feeding regimens. Using previously published dose equivalent factors, we calculated the internal radiation doses for the infants.A hypothetical infant (breast or formula fed 0-12 months) born at the time of the event received 110 uSv until 1992 (30% was accumulated during the first year). If the infant was switched to cow's milk at 6 months of age, the accumulated cumulative dose was 195 uSv (50% was accumulated in the first year). A cow's milk fed infant who was 6 months of age at the time of the event received 675 uSv until 1092 (80% accumulated during the first year). An additional done of 675 uSv can result in adverse health effects. Thus, the countermeasures (avoidance of cow's milk) were effective in reducing the risk for infants.
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