Mineral bone density in women of reproductive age living close to the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site: a cross-sectional study from Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background The prevalence of osteo¬porosis is increasing worldwide representing a considerable public health problem particularly among women in menopause. Earlier studies have suggested that exposure to ionizing radiation reduced bone mineral density and may lead to osteoporosis. However, the effect of radiation on the mineral bone density in descendants of the exposed remains largely unknown. The objective of this study was to assess bone density among women of reproductive age, whose parents and grandparents were exposed …