Report Writing-Accident Report

Chernobyl Nuclear Report


The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster is one of the most devastating disasters to have been witnessed by the planet. On 26 April 1986, a nuclear explosion and the fire due to it, brought the neighbourhood to pieces within minutes. It has left an ever-lasting scar on the humankind: one that acts a grim reminder to our callousness that has drastic consequences.

CAUSES OF THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT:

It all began on the April morning when there was a nuclear explosion in the Unit 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The explosions that ruptured the powerplant and the consequent fire that lasted 10 days resulted in the emission of a large amount of radiative materials being released into the atmosphere. The specific causes of the explosion are shrouded in a cloud of mystery and though various theories have been proposed, none of them have been accepted as the true one.

The emissions were mainly composed of Caesium and Iodine radionucleides. Radioactive Iodine-131, harmful to the thyroid glands in particular, having a short half-life of just 8 days disintegrated while the remains of the other element Caesium remain even today!

CONSEQUENCES:

Though the effects of this nuclear disaster were far-ranging and affected almost the entire
Europe, the severely affected ones were the rescue-workers who stayed in the area days after the explosion occurred. Exposed to the ionizing alpha, beta and gamma radiations in large doses, most of the rescue workers developed disorders while others became fatally ill.

A huge number of rescue workers also developed the Acute Radiation Syndrome. In some cases, further complications occurred due to the beta penetration leading to skin burns. Several of those in “nuclear-contaminated’ areas became highly vulnerable to skin, lung cancer. Furthermore, the radioactive iodine also contaminated foodstuff and tones of edible items developed radioactive contamination. Those who consumed such foodstuff were also prone to the effects of radiations such as leukaemia, cancer, Acute Radiation syndrome.
It has been estimated that over 600,000 people have died directly or indirectly due to the Chernobyl incident, taking into account the various factors.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Chernobyl nuclear disaster is a costly lesson to the human kind indeed. It reiterates the need for extra caution while dealing with radioactive materials. While nuclear powerplants may be a viable source of power in the years to come, the location and the size of the power plant should be so designed such that the nuclear plant is far away from the residential areas and is not prone to leaks. In addition, a new system to check the leakage of radioactive gases from the power plant should be in place before it becomes operable. Furthermore, instead of dumping the nuclear waste into the oceans, as has been the practice, it is advisable that a new mechanism be developed to safely dispose the radioactive waste, converting it to non-radiative substances if possible.

If such safety measures are taken in addition to caution and care, the chances of another Chernobyl disaster repeating itself are very less. These measures would, thus, make the place a relatively safer one to live in!!!