These pollutants have taken their toll. People here have the highest incidence of tuberculosis in the world, as well as elevated levels of bronchial and kidney problems and cancer. Leonid Elpiner of the Russian Academy of Sciences recites a litany of problems, ranging from intestinal diseases, polio, viral hepatitis and noninfectious diseases, to higher levels of chemical pollution of air, water and food. Zita Mazhitova, head of pediatrics at Kazakh State University, reports that 80 per cent of fertile women in the region are anemic and 87 per cent have various chronic diseases. Mortality has doubled and life expectancy dropped.
Children are especially vulnerable.
Half of the children suffer from insufficient weight and retarded growth and puberty. All children examined had immunodeficiency to various degrees. There is a high frequency of inborn defects of respiratory organs and bronchiectasis. But the impact of the Aral Sea disaster spreads far beyond the adjacent communities. Storms blow over hundreds, probably thousands of kilometers.