Assessment of Health Status in Populations Living in the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site Region: Results of Screening.

Background

The Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site (SNTS) represents a unique example of long-term population exposure to ionizing radiation. This study aimed to assess the health status of individuals from three generations permanently residing in territories affected by radioactive contamination resulting from nuclear weapons testing at the SNTS, based on the findings of a population screening examination. Materials and

Methods

A cross-sectional screening study was conducted among 2802 adults aged 18 years and older. The exposed group consisted of residents of the Abay and Beskaragai districts of the Abay Region and their descendants (n = 1358). The control group included residents of Arshaly village in the Akmola Region with no history of radiation exposure (n = 1444). All participants underwent a structured questionnaire survey, clinical examination, biochemical and hematological testing, and assessment of thyroid function. Individual radiation doses were obtained from the State Scientific Automated Medical Registry of Persons Exposed to Radiation (SSAMR).

Results

Arterial hypertension (p < 0.001), chronic ischemic heart disease (p < 0.001), thyroid disorders (p < 0.001), malignant neoplasms (p = 0.003), renal diseases, and respiratory diseases were significantly more prevalent in the exposed population than in the control group. Exposed individuals also demonstrated significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, indicating increased insulin resistance. After adjustments, the only outcome that retained a statistically significant association with radiation dose was thyroid disorders (adjusted OR per 10 mSv increase = 1.017; 95% CI: 1.009-1.025; p < 0.001). ROC analysis demonstrated a moderate discriminative ability of radiation dose with respect to arterial hypertension (AUC = 0.715), chronic ischemic heart disease (AUC = 0.735), and ischemic stroke (AUC = 0.711).

Conclusions

The findings suggest long-term adverse health effects associated with radiation exposure among populations residing near the SNTS. Continued epidemiological surveillance and medical monitoring of exposed individuals and their descendants are warranted.