The Explosion of Radiation in the Chernobyl Accident

Radiation can be utilized in medical research, but when it is present in excessive amounts in the environment, it can have severe negative effects. One of the worst nuclear accidents in history occurred in April of 1986 at the Chernobyl power plant.

This catastrophic event caused numerous fatalities and affected five million individuals living in nearby towns. The explosion devastated the environment and had long-lasting effects on the health of both people and animals for many years to come ("Chernobyl Nuclear Accident." The Chernobyl Accident: 25 Years of Cancer Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.)

The first area to receive the impact of the nuclear power plant explosion was the Worm Wood Forest. The forest absorbed all the radiation and gradually began to die. The radiation mixed with the trees' DNA structure, causing them to have a deep red hue.

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Half of the forest was bulldozed down and burned to the ground as it was the most contaminated with radiation. The Red Forest is now considered the most polluted area in the world, although many reports suggest that animals continue to live there.

Scientists have used robots to search the areas surrounding the power plant to determine if any organisms are benefiting from the radiation. Inside the power plant, two types of fungus have been discovered that thrive off the radiation: Cryptococcus neoformans and Cladosporium.

These fungi absorb the radiation using a defense mechanism called melanin, which allows them to harness energy from the radiation ("Chernobyl 1984-2009: Then and Now." Chernobyl 1984-2009: Then and Now. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.)

Over the years, many animals have been born with genetic mutations due to the radiation in the contaminated areas. The radiation mixes with the DNA code, causing disruptions in the codons, which affect physical appearance.

An error in the codon can cause undesirable mutations in animals, such as a third leg or an extra head. Due to reduced hunting, many animals are multiplying at a faster rate than usual.

These animals consume contaminated plants, which infect their meat. Once contaminated, the meat is no longer safe for consumption, and the radiation could be passed on to their offspring.

The radiation from the explosion spread over many miles, causing illness and fatalities over time. Many individuals who helped with the cleanup were exposed to high levels of radiation, leading to their deaths.

Approximately 350,400 people were evacuated and relocated to Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia due to the disaster. In 2010, the government of Belarus announced a resettlement program for affected areas. From 2011 to 2015, and up to 2020, a new resettlement program will be implemented, although some areas will remain restricted due to high radiation levels.

People will have access to waste gas, portable water, and power supplies, but the forested areas are strictly off-limits. Scientists claim that it is safe to consume food grown in contaminated areas, but consuming wild plants is still hazardous.

In 1900, $400 million was spent to improve the remaining reactors at Chernobyl, making them safer for workers. Despite these improvements, 6,000 people still worked at the plant daily, with each individual having a 15-minute shift due to the high radiation levels, which posed a significant risk of cancer and other illnesses.

A small group is currently working inside the reactor to rebuild it, and many workers live with their families in a nearby town called Slavutich.

Reference

1. "Chernobyl 1984-2009: Then and Now." Chernobyl 1984-2009: Then and Now. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.
2. "Chernobyl Nuclear Accident." The Chernobyl Accident: 25 Years of Cancer Research. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2013.

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