When the Chernobyl reactor exploded, it released deadly levels of radiation, but radioactive fallout wasn't distributed evenly across the surrounding area, due to weather conditions and changing winds. Locations that were farther away from the reactor became radioactive hotspots , "and there were villages that were reasonably close to the plant that didn't get much contamination," said Fred Mettler, a professor emeritus and clinical professor with the Department of Radiology at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.
Even within villages, radiation was unequally distributed and could vary from street to street, as Mettler learned when he visited the region from to with the U. The ruins of the Chernobyl reactor, now contained under a metal shell, are still highly radioactive and will likely remain so for up to 20, years.
However, the zones in Chernobyl that are now open to the public may have initially received lower doses of radiation, despite their proximity to the damaged reactor, Mettler told Live Science.
Background levels of radiation around Chernobyl overall were also lower than the global average before the accident, which may have helped to mitigate the radiation boost from the accident, Mettler added. The disaster occurred during a routine late-night safety test in the number four nuclear reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, in the town of Pripyat, which is k from the Ukrainian capital Kiev.
Following the explosion, servicemen were hospitalised with acute radiation sickness, of which 28 firemen and employees died in the weeks and months after the explosion. An mile radius, known as the exclusion zone, was set up around the reactor; and more than , people were evacuated from the area. The site has been open to the public since , when authorities deemed it safe to visit. Peter Wybrow, Ukraine expert at Regent Holidays, which organises trips to Ukraine and Chernobyl, says guides will always carry a Geiger counter with them to measure radiation.
Chernobyl is around k north of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, or a two-hour drive. Because the exclusion zone has meant almost no human interference for more than 30 years, wildlife surrounding Chernobyl has thrived: visitors can spot species such as tame foxes and giant catfish, as well as wild horses, bison, bears and wolves — although these are rarely seen.
Also the fairground, the Ferris wheel is one of the iconic Chernobyl images. How long should I stay? We recommend an overnight trip, staying at a hotel in the city of Chernobyl 18km south of the Chernobyl power plant. There is so much to see here across quite a large area that just one day cannot do it justice. However if you are a little nervous about visiting, and no one could blame you, then there are plenty of Ukraine holidays that visit the capital, Kiev, and several of these will include a day-trip to Chernobyl and Pripyat.
More about Chernobyl. Chernobyl travel guide. Visiting Chernobyl and the rigorously maintained exclusion area around it is to step into a Soviet time capsule, where time stopped on 26th April and mankind stared unwillingly into the nuclear abyss. Key sights in Chernobyl. Find out what to see in Chernobyl on a guided tour, with our advice on the key sights in Chernobyl that explain events and the subsequent evacuation.
Give us a call. More relevant guides. Ukraine guide If you've been searching for a Ukraine travel guide then right here is where your quest comes to fruition. More From Forbes. Nov 10, , pm EST. Nov 10, , am EST. Nov 9, , pm EST. Edit Story. Jun 29, , pm EDT. Dan Q. Dao Contributor Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.
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