Remember Chernobyl

As we worry about our own ongoing ecological disaster in the Gulf, take a moment to remember Chernobyl, 1986. Over 600,000 people were exposed to high levels of radiation, though WHO apparently believes there have only been about 4,000 related deaths. Work has continued on cleanup for 24 years, and some of the land surrounding the area has been deemed as safe for redevelopment; but the core is still covered by a make-shift concrete shield erected by 'volunteers' after the accident. That shield (they call the sarcophagus) is in need of repair and replacement. A new containment structure will be constructed in 2012. It covers an estimated 190 tonnes of uranium, and 1 ton of plutonium; 90% of the fuel and radioactive elements are still sealed inside this temporary structure.

This site documents a motor-cycle trip made into the protected zone by a young woman, Filatova Elena Vladimirovna (it is undated as far as I can see...) http://www.angelfire.com/extreme4/kiddofspeed/chapter1.html

This link provides more recent photo-coverage (2008-2010) http://www.angelfire.com/extreme4/kiddofspeed/foodtrip.html The people pictured here apparently opted to stay in their homes, rather than evacuate after the destruction of the reactor.

Obligatory Wikipedia background on the area here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster