Clinical and Psychophysiological Data of the Chernobyl Personnel Working on Transformation of the Object “ Shelter ” into an Ecologically Safe System

Objective: The aim of this study is to assess possible changes in central nervous system, such as cognitive functions and brain bioelectric activity, after a period of work towards the conversion project of the “Shelter” into a safe and environmentallysafe system. This might lead to an improvement of clinical and psychophysiological criteria for professional selection and personnel admittance to work in particularly dangerous and harmful conditions amongst the presence of radiological and severe industrial risk factors. Method: 196 males (age between 20-52 years old; М±SD: 35,9±8,2 years) were involved in this study and were being prospectively examined before, during and after the time of work at the “Shelter” object between 2004-2008. Based on the results of our psycho-neurological and neurophysiological investigations, an Excel database spreadsheets was created. This database contained 353 parameters for each of 196 examined individuals. Totally 69188 variables were analyzed. Results: A prospective study showed that exposure to radiological (exposure in range 0 – 56.7 mSv, М±SD:19,9±13,0 mSv) and industrial risk factors may lead to the onset of a form of cognitive chronic fatigue syndrome characterized by dysfunction of cortical-limbic system, chiefly in the dominant (left) hemisphere with an important involvement of hippocampus. By the means of neurophysiological and neuropsychological assessments we could highlight early changes in brain likely caused by the presence of radiological and industrial risk factors occurring in conditions of high psycho-emotional tension at work. An effect of selection of “radiation resistant worker” was found. That is, individuals, who earlier were exposed to radiation without consequences for their health, were more resistant to further irradiation. Conclusions: This work provides further evidence that implementing constant monitoring and rehabilitation are necessary measured for personnel employed within the “Shelter” project.