Neurophysiological and psychological indicators of liquidators of chemical pollution of the environment

Abstract

Introduction. Elimination of the consequences of emergency situations (ES) involves increased physical and psychological stress, as well as the direct aggressive impact of chemical and physical factors. Currently, the problem of environmental hazard is environmental pollution from the activities of «Usolyekhimprom», where on an area of 610 hectares there are tens of thousands of tons of harmful substances, including metallic mercury. On the territory of this enterprise, employees of the Federal Environmental Operator and the Ministry of Emergency Situations are currently engaged in eliminating environmental pollution. Over the past two years, a number of measures have been taken at the industrial site of «Usoliekhimprom» to dismantle buildings and demercurize. For 2023–2024 reconstruction, dismantling and disposal of the destroyed buildings of the enterprise are planned, in this regard, the liquidators may be affected by an even wider range of adverse factors. Employees of the East-Siberian Institute of Medical and Ecological Research conduct dynamic monitoring of the liquidators.
 The purpose of the study was to evaluate the neurophysiological and psychological indicators in liquidators in eliminating environmental pollution associated with the production of chemical products to prevent the occurrence of occupational pathology.
 Materials and methods. Forty males were examined. Electroneuromyographic examination (ENMG) was performed with testing of the sensory and motor components of the nerves of the upper extremities, electroencephalography (EEG), and psychological testing.
 Results. According to data of obtained ENMG parameters in the group of liquidators, a subthreshold decrease in the speed of impulse conduction in the area of the elbow joint was established during stimulation of the motor and sensory components of the ulnar nerve (up to 50 m/s). Analysis of interhemispheric coherence in the α-range in the group of liquidators revealed an increase in coherence in the right temporal leads (0.6 (0.4–0.7) G) compared with the standard values (0.35 (0.3–0.4) D) and weakening of coherent connections in the left frontal leads (0.35 (0.17–0.4) D). Changes in the mnestic sphere and the quality of life of the subjects were not revealed.
 Limitations. The limitation of the study was the lack of data on testing the motor and sensory components of the lower extremities during an electroneuromyographic examination and the lack of registration of evoked potentials during electroencephalography.
 Conclusion. The changes detected by ENMG indicate the manifestations of polyneuropathy at the preclinical stage. The analysis of interhemispheric coherence in the α-band revealed an increase in coherence in the right temporal leads and a weakening of coherent connections in the left frontal leads. The results of the medical and psychological study did not reveal any changes on the part of the mnestic sphere and the quality of life in the group of liquidators.