Study of Factors Affecting the Impact of Soil and Groundwater Contamination on Human Health in the Combat-Affected Shelter Zone
Abstract
Purpose. To identify and classify the factors influencing the nature of the physiological effects of soil and groundwater contamination on public health under conditions of human presence in protective shelters, in territories affected by rocket and artillery attacks.
Method. An analytical method was used to detail the manifestation of the physiological effect; to establish cause-and-effect relationships between environmental factors and the nature of the impact - a systems analysis; to compare effects under different conditions - a comparative method.
Findings. Two main types of physiological effects were identified: subacute (T₁–₂), associated with drinking water contamination, including water used to meet the needs of shelters, and prolonged (T₂–₃), characteristic of soil pathways and food exposure. Factors modifying the trajectories and migration rates of toxicants, their concentrations and duration of exposure, as well as their influence on the rate and severity of physiological effects in different population groups were identified, taking into account limited air and water exchange in shelter facilities.
Theoretical implications. The research contributes to the development of a unified two-level model for assessing the manifestation of physiological effects of toxicants under complex combat conditions, including scenarios involving prolonged population stay in protective structures.
Practical implications: The obtained results can be used to develop adaptive emergency management strategies, plan contamination monitoring and population protection in affected areas, and enhance the operational safety of shelter facilities under conditions of environmental chemical contamination.
Originality. The impact of a combination of environmental factors and military load on the manifestation of the physiological effects of soil and water pollution has been systematized, which allows to increase the accuracy of risk assessment for the population.
Research limitations. The limitations lie in the use of theoretical and analytical models without extensive experimental confirmation in field conditions. In future studies, it is advisable to integrate observational, modeling, and laboratory experimental data.
Paper type. Theoretical.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ніна Рашкевич, Ольга Шевченко, Володимир Крадожон; Артем Гузь
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