Risk factors for long-term mental and psychosomatic distress in Latvian Chernobyl liquidators.

Abstract

(RR= 1.82,) is also associated with this outcome, although nonsignificantly. Distinguishing stress-related from radiation-induced effects in this data set was difficult and these findings should provide a basis for later hypothesis testing in other cohorts. Environ Health Perspect 105(Suppl 6): 1539-1544 (1997)

Psychological Distress of Rescue Workers Eight and One-Half Years After Professional Involvement in the Amsterdam Air Disaster

“…The current results are in line with previous findings that showed higher levels of psychological distress among those involved in disasters with real or alleged exposure to hazardous materials (Arata et al, 2000;Viel et al, 1997). For instance, in the Chernobyl accident, widespread psychological distress among clean-up workers was found, and it was difficult to determine whether these symptoms were stress-related or radiation-induced (Viel et al, 1997). In the Amsterdam air disaster: no differences were found in the prevalence of autoantibodies nor were there any clinically relevant significant differences in hematological and biochemical laboratory values and urinalysis outcomes (Huizink et al, 2003;Slottje et al, 2005a), and a risk analysis revealed that it is unlikely that the missing uranium had indeed led to the health complaints reported (Uijt de Haag et al, 2000).…”

“…Among exposed fire fighters and police officers, several background and exposure factors were positively associated with psychological distress. The current results are in line with previous findings that showed higher levels of psychological distress among those involved in disasters with real or alleged exposure to hazardous materials (Arata et al, 2000;Viel et al, 1997). For instance, in the Chernobyl accident, widespread psychological distress among clean-up workers was found, and it was difficult to determine whether these symptoms were stress-related or radiation-induced (Viel et al, 1997).…”

“…Another type of disaster that has a particularly longlasting impact on the psychological well-being of those involved is the disaster with real or alleged exposure to hazardous chemicals with uncertainty about potential physical and mental health effects, e.g., the Exxon Valdez chemical spill (Arata et al, 2000) and the Chernobyl disaster (Viel et al, 1997). Although several studies report on the physical effects on rescue workers exposed to chemical fires or biochemical terrorist attacks (e.g., Nishiwaki et al, 2001), there is a lack of studies that show higher levels of psychological distress among first responders after such disasters (Markowitz, 1989), probably because of the low frequency and relatively low amount of direct casualties in such disasters.…”

Investigations on Health Conditions of Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident Recovery Workers from Latvia in Late Period after Disaster

“…These were mainly external irradiation and radionuclides incorporated into the body. Amongst the non-radiation factors, the most significant were psycho-emotional stress, physical overload, and the effect of heavy metals and other chemicals (Viel et al, 1997;Nikiforov, 2002;Zvagule, 2004). CNPP clean-up workers were mainly healthy men -military personnel and civilians of reproductive age.…”

“…Since 1994, data have been included in the Latvian State Register of Persons with Occupational Diseases and Persons Exposed to Radiation due to the CNPP Accident maintained by the specialists of the Centre of Occupational and Radiological Medicine (Pauls Stradiòð Clinical University Hospital). On the basis of information collected in the Centre four doctoral theses (Kurjane, 2001;Zvagule, 2004;Reste, 2013;Silova, 2015) and a lot of scientific studies were completed (Bruvere et al, 1995;Churbakova et al, 1996;Eglite et al, 1997;2009;Mironova et al, 1998;Kalnina et al, 2001;2012;2013;2013a;Kumerova et al, 2000;Kurjâne and Soèòevs, 1999;Kurjane et al, 1999;2000;Mazarevica et al, 2000;Mironova-Ulmane et al, 2001;2001a;Petukhov et al, 2011;Reste et al, 2012;2014;Skesters et al, 2005;2006a;2006b;2008;2010;2010a;Viel et al, 1997;Zvagule et al, 2002;. Clinical observations and epidemiological studies among Chernobyl recovery workers showed that these persons suffer from a broad spectrum of different kinds of diseases more seriously than in the non-exposed general Latvian population.…”