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they were before the accident. Relocated groups often develop tensions with local populations, explaining these difficulties by their own psychological state and by the locals' fear of getting contaminated by the newcomers and getting sick. Every third relocated victim of Chomobyl experiences psychological discomfort in his or her relations with locals. Members of this group frequently suffer from depression, anxiety and physical weakness leading to a feeling of inner inadequacy, unreality and being on the verge of a nervous breakdown. As time passes, these crises of victims' identity become only more severe and develop into chronic, pathological and irreversible conditions. Data collected by the Ukrainian Ministry for Chomobyl Affairs show a doubling in morbidity among the populations of the contaminated areas. Thyroid disorders increased almost seven fold. Only 27% of children under seven years of age are free from chronic conditions, and only 65% of the children and 60% of the young adults are considered practically healthy. There is also an exponential increase in systemic endocrine, digestive and skeletal disorders (the latter increased almost fourfold. Mental disorders have increased 1.4 times, while the prevalence of mental disorders among those who work in the evacuated zone is more than 5 times higher than among the Ukrainian population in general. How do the victims express their tragedy? Basically with fear and alienation. As a medical doctor — obstetrician-gyne- cologist, I would like to point out a major impact of Chomobyl on the psychological, intellectual, emo tional lives of women. Women link Chomobyl with God's punishment for their past deeds and the deeds and behavior of their political leaders, parents and earlier ancestors. Future mothers and grandmothers pray for healthy children to be bom and ask God to spare their children and grandchildren from the deadly effects of Chomobyl. Being uncertain about the future of their children, many women, who were in close proximity to Chomobyl when the accident happened, or worked there, opt for early abortion and explain their decision as fear of having a sick child, or fear of God's vengeance striking their descendants. More than half of Ukrainians are religious people. Each year, on the day of Chomobyl's an niversary, they pray God to spare their children from such a terrible experience as they had to endure in connection with Chomobyl. Also, may people explain the tragedy as God's vengeance for their involuntary division from the Church during 72 years of Soviet regime in Ukraine, for ruining churches and religious symbols, for suppression of religious spirituality which was incompatible with the atheist communist ideology. People who are left without adequate financial and community support, address their thoughts, dreams and miseries to God and ask for his forgiveness. Among the most important lessons for the world to leam from Chomobyl are the following: • Continuous exposure to low intensity ionizing radiation caused by nuclear accidents presents a real and serious threat to human health and to the future of the human species. • Data analysis allow us to forecast a high probability of time-remote destructive con sequences of industrial accidents for the health of nuclear plant workers, such as a shorter life-span, cataracts, leucosis and solid tumors • One of the most overlooked types of health problems among victims of nuclear accidents might be mental disorders leading to chronic conditions. The experience of Chomobyl, including medical aspects, will no doubt command the attention of the health professional community for many years to come. So far, Ukrainian doctors and scientists bear this overwhelming burden almost all by themselves. We sincerely hope that international NGOs of more affluent countries and our colleagues in the medical profession will show more interest and willingness to share this load with Ukraine, whose economy is struggling now. I would be happy if this statement helps to remind the distinguished participants about Chomobyl and draws their attention once again to the fact that the problems of Chomobyl are global and should be dealt with at a global level. Thank you for your attention. “НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ”, ЧЕРВЕНЬ 2000 15
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