Chernobyl Nuclear Accident Congressional Hearings Transcript

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health of children stirs up serious concern. Compared with the average, the morbidity
rate of thyroid diseases in Zhitomir region went up 4 times, and in Narodichie
district—6 times. In the affected zones of Kiev region the endocrine diseases morbidity
rate grew 3-5 times. On top of that, the scientists stated the growth of pregnancy
pathologiesw 1.6-3 times. The same growth is observed in cases of diseases of
skin, thyroids, blood, vegetative and vascular systems and inborn defects of newborn
children. The scientists ascertain the connection between ionizing radiation
doze and immunity worsening. This can be observed in 70 per cent of the children
evacuees.
According to the facts the health of adults is damaged, too. There is a growth of
morbidity rate in respiratory diseases 1.3 times, blood circulation—1.9 times, gastroenteric—2.7
times, endocrine system—2.1 times, genital 1.8 times. The same is
true for the Chornobyl cleanup workers. The disability rate among them grew 1.9
times.
The further problem arisen by the Chornobyl disaster is the elaboration of the
concept of further scientific research; working out methods of developing nuclear
safety of the "Shelter" unit (reactor #4); localization of highand low-active products
accumulated within the 30-km zone and its immediate vicinity; scientific and economic
activities in Chornobyl affected zones.
Besides, there is a problem of wastes piled up in the waste storage, the estimated
radioactivity of which is tenfold higher than that of the Chornobyl disaster products.
Up to now, there is no unanimous approach to what should be done to secure and
localize the fuel and fission products on the "Shelter" unit. There are still problems
of how they should be permanently stored (now there are about 800 temporary storages)
and what should be done with the equipment and materials assembled in the
open-air grounds.
There still exists the problem of decontamination, conversion of radioactive waste,
safety of surface and underground waters, recultivation of soil. No tangible results
were achieved by the researchers in geochemical and geoelectrical methods of radioactivity
elimination. Serious errors were made in the design of drainage screens and
water protection installations. The results of the measures for raising efficiency of
the purification installations, decontamination posts and equipment, researchers of
influence of the fuel substances on man were of minor importance.
Not everything was done in environmental monitoring and forecasting the radiation
situation in Ukraine.
The lack of necessary medical equipment, humble steps toward international cooperation
caused the incapability of practical medicine to protect the health of those
affected. It is not even possible to put them on the register list of those requiring
health monitoring.
Taking into consideration the danger of the Chornobyl disaster aftermath—not
only for our republic and our country, but for other European countries—the
Ukrainian parliament appealed to the governments and non-government bodies of
the world community for help in liquidation of this mishap aftermaths.
Some countries and non-government institutions already render humanitarian
help to us.
A number of firms is now working out projects for some of the Chornobyl problems
solution.
But we think the international help would be most effective in the following
areas:
• foreign investments in Chornobyl cleanup programs;
• delivery of medical and scientific equipment, production lines for medical equipment
and materials manufacture; production (or co-production) of medicines and
medical equipment;
• we will be very grateful for help in rehabilitation of the affected children;
• further cooperation between non-government bodies.
Serious consideration should be given to joint researches of technological, scientific
and practical character.
On November 20, 1990 the UNO General Assembly Resolution #A/45/190 "International
cooperation in the sphere of mollification and overcoming of the Chornobyl
Nuclear Power Plant accident aftermaths" was adopted. Pursuant to Article 2, the
General Assembly pled to the UNO bodies, institutions and programs for technical
and other specialized help especially to Ukraine. The unprecedented scale of the disaster,
its lasting anthrohopogeneous influence on present and future generations
should be borne in mind.