and fatalism. The combined effect of the many sources of stress is a decline in the health and well-being of the affected populations, which many will attribute to the effects of exposure to radioactivity, further fuelling fears and raising stress levels. The situation encountered by the Mission in the affected territories is the result of 15 years of an unremitting downward spiral of health and well-being (see Fig 4.2). 4.32
The system of Chernobyl related benefits has created expectations of payments and advantages and has undermined the capacity of the individuals and communities concerned to tackle their own economic and social problems. Studies carried out by the Institute of Sociology in Kiev indicate that 80% of respondents living in areas with a guaranteed right to resettlement expect “financial assistance and special medical treatment”. Among resettlers, 84% expect “special medical treatment” and 71% claim unemployment allowance.
Figure 4.2: The Downward Spiral in communities affected by Chernobyl
Low tax base Unemployment Inadequate health/social facilities Poor nutrition Desperation due to lack of economic opportunities
Weakened, ageing and outmigrating workforce Costs of medical treatment Costs of compensation
Obstacles to economic development
Environment has low priority Lack of funds to reduce exposure Withdrawal of land Pressure to use Restriction on agriculture contaminated products Negative image
Costs of protective measures Constraints on economic activities
Chernobyl accident, resettlement, compensation and other response Radiation-induced disease Psychological impact Social disruption
Release of Radioactive Material
Environment not a priority Poor awareness and education Poor coping capacity
HEALTH AND SOCIAL CRISIS
4.33
Exposure to radiation Alteration of traditional lifestyles
Contamination of the environment and foodstuffs
The Institute of Sociology report argues that the Chernobyl accident led to a wide range of psychological problems including a sense of being a victim; a sense of social exclusion; lack of initiative, a low level of adaptation to the new environment and an expectation of external support. Significantly, the state of mind of victims was not connected to their objective living conditions. This situation has produced a culture in which ill health is the expectation for many
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