[Archive]

Originally Posted By Sarah

I have read that there were nuclear explosions in Kasakhstan up until 1990 (Russians testing bombs) and this has raised cancer rates in the country. Does anyone know about the health of the children there? Are they at a high risk for developing cancer? For those of you who've adopted from the country, what has been your experience with the general health (physical, emotional, etc.) of your child(ren)? Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Sarah

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Melissa

From what I understand the only area affected by the nuclear testing was in the Semipaltinsk area. I know that many parents adopt there (and they refer to it as Semey). We adopted from Kaz through an agency who doesn't work in Semey so we didn't really concern ourselves too much.

Our child is healthy, happy and almost completely on target developmentally!

Good luck to you!

[Archive]

Originally Posted By Shawn

Our two daughters have been home from Kaz for over seven months and are VERY healthy/happy. We adopted both a baby and a toddler and have a toddler son as well as three teenagers. Our daughters have been such a blessing to our family. So much so that we are now adopting from another Eastern European country!!! Take Care Shawn

[babystork]

When I first heard about the nuclear tests done in Kaz I was worried about the health of the children as well. But then I thought about Chernobyl and nuclear tests performed near by Las Vegas, when I realized you have to put all in perspective.

I no longer let that deter me from adopting from Kaz. But everybody is different.

Wishing you the best

babystork

[randloar]

I have to add to this to this thread. There was nuclear testing over more areas than just the Semipaltinsk region. Check out this site for more information: http://www.nti.org/db/nisprofs/kazak...l/weafatop.htm

That being said, we are still going to be adopting from Kaz, because not all of the areas had above ground testing, and based on our research have gotten comfortable that the health of the children is good overall (of course there are ranges).

I just had to put that site out there so that people can be informed on what regions have been impacted in what way.

Cheers,
Carrie

[gabrielpony]

We just adopted from Ust-Kamenogorsk. Our daughter is beautiful and healthy, as all the children in the orphanage appeared to be. This is a culture that values family and protects their children.
Didn't see any children that were impacted in such a way. Of course, I live near Oak Ridge, TN not 20 miles from a nuclear plant and past testing...The kids in Oak Ridge look fine too.