The Dangers And Effects Of The Chernobyl Disaster

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Draft 2 One of the largest concerns for the modern world is the current energy consumption rate. With present day fossil fuel reserves rapidly shrinking, the importance of deciding on alternative energies grows significantly. While there are considerable options, such as solar, hydro, geothermal, nuclear fusion, and fission; it is important to remember the inherent dangers that these untested sources can create. The Chernobyl Disaster serves as a grim reminder of the consequences that can result from new technological breakthroughs. This essay will explore the social, health, environmental, causes and effects of the Chernobyl Disaster, the impact it carried, and the safety regulations and political standpoints that changed as a result. The …show more content…

Fallout is the radioactive particles that fall to earth as a result of a nuclear explosion. In the case of Chernobyl the fallout was spread through the plumes of fire after the reactor was exposed. While radioactive fallout usually lasts anywhere from a few seconds to several months; there are cases, such as Chernobyl, where it remained for years. In the case of Chernobyl, the largest implication for one’s health was the danger of thyroid cancer. By the year 2000 over 4000 cases of thyroid cancer had been reported in exposed children. This form of cancer is not usually fatal if diagnosed and treated early. It is interesting to note that the rapid increase in reporting of this type of cancer would suggest that at least some of the cases were a result of a flaw in the screening …show more content…

It has been in the absence of human life in the past 25 years that existing animal populations have returned to the surrounding areas. While measuring the range and scope of this biodiversity is difficult, as the region is still radioactive enough to pose a danger to humans, there are natural indicators of the effect of the radiation. One of these indicators is the large presence of wolves found in the exclusion zone. As wolves are an apex-predator they are useful in assessing the other forms of wildlife. The presence of a wolf pack means there is a “prey” species present, in this case deer. The documentary Radioactive Wolves of Chernobyl preformed a study that suggests the number of wolves inhabiting Chernobyl is the same as those in a clean test environment. While the area remains dangerous for Humans, the presence of native wildlife in the region suggests that one day humans will be able to safely live in the homes of their ancestors. The profound dangers that were witnessed after Chernobyl led to a change in the perception of the safety of nuclear energy by a variety of geo-political organizations. After the incident, the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) was formed in 1989. This organization has linked over 130 operators of nuclear power stations in more than 30 countries. They spent almost 1

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