Translated material
Children from the zone
In accordance with the federal law "On the Destruction of Chemical Weapons", a comprehensive assessment of the health status of children living in the protective measures zones of chemical weapons destruction facilities is carried out. For this purpose, specialists from specialized research institutes, medical centers, laboratories and specialized medical institutions are involved. The goal is - identifying diseases in the early stages, conducting examinations to establish the connection of diseases with the functioning of facilities for the storage of chemical weapons and their destruction.
During the research, toxic substances in the environment are measured, the toxicology of the identified substances is studied, and the health status of the region's population is examined. It is possible to prove a possible causal relationship of a disease with the action of a specific pathogenic factor only on the basis of the results of epidemiological studies and examination For establishing a connection between diseases and the functioning of facilities for the storage, transportation and destruction of chemical weapons. Conclusions are drawn on the basis of comprehensive instrumental studies of the quality of the human environment in each locality.
From 2002 to 2007, under the medical support program for the destruction of chemical weapons, 9264 children were examined, 1396 children and adolescents aged 5-18 years underwent a comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination. A biochemical blood test, respiratory function, ECG, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, kidneys and thyroid gland, and an electromyographic study were performed. The results of a comprehensive examination of children living in protective measures zones do not differ from the average indicators throughout Russia.
An in-depth analysis of the prevalence of diseases was carried out in three settlements located in areas around the storage facility for organophosphorus chemicals. In total, more than 1,800 children were examined.
The examination carried out (outpatient and in a specialized hospital) made it possible to identify the true structure of territorial morbidity and conduct research in order to establish the possible cause of mass diseases characteristic of a particular territory. The results of the work did not reveal any evidence-based impact of chemical weapons storage and destruction facilities on children’s health.