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After Russia invaded the city of Chernobyl, devastated by the nuclear disaster of 1986, in Ukraine, the world went on alert for a new possible catastrophe in the old plants of the place. Despite the risk at Chernobyl, experts in the field say that an “accident” — in quotes, since it would again be caused by humans — is unlikely to happen, but the health of employees is at stake. 684v3y
Chernobyl takeover increased radiation levels 6b3a5f
On the 25th of February, Russian troops officially occupied the region of Chernobyl in the Ukrainian war, and although no explosion or damage was done to the Reactor 4 — which harbors absurd amounts of radioactive material — the mere movement of heavy military vehicles and other activities contributed to the increase in radiation levels at the site.
Also on the 25th, the deputy director of the Ukrainian Department for Security Matters at Nuclear Installations, Alexander Grigorach, revealed that there was a increase in radiation levels after Russia invaded the area. However, the highest authorities on the subject rule out a nuclear leak in Reactor 4 or some kind of nuclear disaster.
“The last reactor shut down in the 2000s, so spent nuclear fuel doesn’t generate as much heat”
James Smith, a professor at the University of Portsmouth who has studied Chernobyl for years
Smith's information is corroborated by other researchers, such as Jan Haverkamp from the Greenpeace, stating that the evaporation of that fuel that is still stored should not be a problem. However, an explosion in the facilities could cause the reactor plant to heat up, although this does not mean a possible nuclear explosion situation.
Russia keeps 200 employees under siege at the plant 2r6y5a
On the other hand, a more valid concern on the part of the scientific community lies with the employees who are still at the old nuclear power plant. The biggest problem is that after Russia's invasion of the plant, military troops are keeping employees and security guards fenced off at the facility. The number varies between 200 and 300 people, who have already been isolated in the area for more than 12 days. Food and water are running out.
“I am deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation faced by employees at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant […] I call on the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there.”
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
While there is currently no major risk in Chernobyl from contamination, personnel who maintain and control Chernobyl can receive high, albeit non-fatal, doses of radiation. The problem intensifies since last Wednesday, 09, the installation lost its electricity supply. The pressure of the conflict between the two countries also contributes to the difficulty in safely managing the place.
The lack of an electrical energy source worries the process of cooling fuels and fuel rods from reactors sent to dry and wet warehouses. Again, the risk of a collapse in these structures is unlikely, and if it happens it should only affect the area of the plant, points out Mark Foreman, professor of Nuclear Chemistry at the Swedish University of Technology.
During the period when there is no electricity, the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) reports that the “thermal load of the spent fuel tank pool and the volume of cooling water are sufficient to guarantee an effective output of heat without electricity”. At this point, there is still a number of conflicting information, as some bodies, such as the IAEA itself, claim that power is already being restored in Chernobyl.
Last Thursday, 10, Ukraine lost all communications with Chernobyl, making it even more difficult to monitor the reactor and the health of officials surrounded by Russian troops.
“If there is a nuclear accident, it will not be caused by a tsunami brought by mother nature [in reference to the Fukushima disaster]. Rather, it will be the result of human failure to act when we knew we could have done something.”
Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Russia has already taken over Ukraine's other nuclear facilities, including bombing the Kharkiv Institute of Physics and Technology on Thursday. The country led by Vladimir Putin also took control of Zaporizhzhia, the largest active nuclear power plant on the European continent that was set on fire, however, without releasing radiation.
The invasion of Russia that culminated in the war in Ukraine began in February, but Putin's offensive has been expected for weeks. The main reason would be Ukraine's integration into NATO, an organization of and military cooperation headed by the United States. Other reasons, such as historical disagreements and the presence of separatist groups contributed to the invasion.
Learn more about the Chernobyl disaster 541d4w
The history of the Chernobyl plant dates back to 1986, when, after a series of design and operational failures, an explosion occurred in Reactor 4 of the plant located in the city of Pripyat, Ukraine, at the time belonging to the Soviet Union. Official figures show that only 31 people died as an immediate result of the accident, while the UN estimates 50 deaths directly linked to the disaster. In 2005, the organization estimated a number of 4 deaths resulting from exposure to radiation.
A limited miniseries was released by HBO in 2019 and won the Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries of the Year. The story tells in detail what happened on the fateful night when Reactor 4 exploded after a human error, as well as showing in detail how radiation spread through the city and affected the inhabitants of Pripyat.
Showmetech has a full story about the incident that gave rise to the award-winning series.
Sources: DW, with the BBC e Wired
See also other features 565d6d
Want to understand a little more about what is happening in this conflict between Russia and Ukraine? Check out what so far about the invasion.
