I Got Access to Chernobyl’s Deadliest Area

Summary

On April 26, 1986, the Chernobyl disaster spewed radioactive material across Europe. A massive cleanup effort led to the creation of the sarcophagus, a concrete tomb for the radioactive remains. In 2007, the New Safe Confinement (NSC) project began, resulting in a colossal structure that now encases the sarcophagus, aiming to contain the radiation for a century. This video offers a rare inside look at the NSC, showcasing the ongoing efforts to manage and eventually decommission the world's worst nuclear disaster site.

Takeaways

• 🚨 On April 26, 1986, a catastrophic explosion occurred at Reactor Number Four of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, releasing thousands of kilograms of radioactive material into the atmosphere.
• 🌍 The radioactive fallout contaminated over a hundred thousand square kilometers of Europe, affecting a vast area and causing long-term environmental damage.
• 🛠 In response, 600,000 individuals known as 'Liquidators' were mobilized to manage the disaster, often at great personal risk to their health.
• ⏳ By December 1986, the 'sarcophagus' was constructed—a concrete tomb to contain the radioactive remains of the reactor, designed to last for 30 years.
• 🏗️ In 2007, the New Safe Confinement (NSC) project was initiated, aiming to create a more secure and long-lasting shelter over the sarcophagus.
• 📈 The NSC, completed in 2017, is an engineering marvel, weighing more than the Eiffel Tower and standing taller than the Statue of Liberty, designed to last for a century.
• 🛑 The NSC's primary function is to contain and manage the radioactive material, preventing further environmental contamination and public health risks.
• 👷‍♂️ The ongoing management of the Chernobyl site employs around 4,000 people, who view their work not as a disaster but as a serious job, essential for the safety of the region and the world.
• 🔬 The NSC is equipped with advanced monitoring systems to detect any changes in radiation levels, ensuring the safety of workers and the containment of radioactive materials.
• 🌐 Despite the impressive efforts to manage the Chernobyl disaster, there are concerns about the long-term viability of the NSC and the political will to support Ukraine's nuclear cleanup efforts.

Q & A

What event occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant?

On April 26, 1986, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, releasing thousands of kilograms of radioactive material and fuel into the atmosphere.

How did the explosion at Chernobyl affect the surrounding area?

The explosion at Chernobyl led to the contamination of over a hundred thousand square kilometers of Europe with radioactive particles, which remained in the air for days.

Who were the 'Liquidators' mentioned in the script?

The 'Liquidators' were the six hundred thousand men and women who worked to suppress, remove, or sequester the dangerous radioactive materials following the Chernobyl disaster.

What was the purpose of the 'sarcophagus' constructed at Chernobyl?

The sarcophagus was a concrete tomb built to contain the remains of the exploded reactor core, designed to remain radioactive for at least 20,000 years.

Why was the new safe confinement (NSC) project initiated?

The new safe confinement project was initiated because the original sarcophagus was only designed to withstand the next 30 years, and a more permanent solution was needed.

What is unique about the design of the new safe confinement (NSC) at Chernobyl?

The NSC is a massive structure weighing more than the Eiffel Tower, taller than the Statue of Liberty, and capable of being slid into position over the sarcophagus, allowing construction to occur away from dangerous radiation.

How long is the new safe confinement (NSC) expected to last?

The NSC is designed to shelter the remains of the Chernobyl disaster for a target of a hundred years.

What is the primary goal of the Chernobyl cleanup efforts?

The primary goal of the Chernobyl cleanup is to have no more Chernobyl, meaning to remove or safely contain all radioactive materials to prevent further contamination.

What safety measures are in place for workers inside the new safe confinement (NSC)?

Workers inside the NSC are provided with clean clothes, hard hats, gloves, booties, masks, and radiation detectors. They are instructed to touch nothing, sit nowhere, and not drop anything to minimize radiation exposure.

How is the new safe confinement (NSC) designed to prevent the release of radiation in case of structural failure?

The NSC is designed to be negatively pressurized, meaning the atmospheric pressure outside is higher than inside. This design ensures that in the event of a breach, air would be forced in rather than radioactive materials being released out.

What is the current status of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant site?

The Chernobyl site is actively managed by four thousand men and women who work there, treating it as a workplace rather than a wasteland. It is a place of ongoing management and responsibility, not a forgotten tragedy.

Outlines

00:00

🚧 Chernobyl Disaster and the New Safe Confinement

The paragraph discusses the catastrophic explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986, which released thousands of kilograms of radioactive material over a vast area of Europe. It details the efforts of the 'Liquidators' who worked to contain the disaster's effects. The paragraph then describes the construction of the sarcophagus, a concrete tomb built to contain the radioactive remains, which was only intended to last 30 years. In 2007, the contract for the New Safe Confinement (NSC) was signed, marking the beginning of the construction of a massive structure designed to encase the sarcophagus and provide a more permanent solution. The NSC, once completed, became the world's largest mobile structure in 2017, with the goal of safeguarding the site for a century.

05:00

🛠️ Inside the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl

This paragraph provides an account of a visit to the NSC with a team of nuclear scientists and engineers, granted by the Ukrainian government. It describes the process of entering the NSC, including changing clothes and passing through radiation detectors. The author emphasizes the scale of the NSC, which is often not apparent in photographs, and the impressive engineering feat it represents. The NSC is equipped with American-made cranes capable of lifting 50 tons, which will be used to dismantle the sarcophagus. The paragraph also discusses the inner workings of the NSC, including the dust suppression system and the radiation monitoring equipment. The author notes the high ambient radiation levels inside the NSC and the visual artifacts caused by gamma rays interacting with the camera sensor.

10:02

🌐 The Legacy and Future of Chernobyl's Nuclear Cleanup

The final paragraph reflects on the legacy of the Chernobyl disaster and the ongoing efforts to manage its aftermath. It highlights the skepticism about the longevity of the NSC and the political challenges in addressing Ukraine's nuclear burden. The paragraph concludes with a somber acknowledgment of Chernobyl as the final resting place of the disaster's remains, with the NSC standing as a testament to the scientific and engineering solutions devised to contain the radioactive threat. The author expresses respect for those who continue to work at the site, viewing it not as a wasteland but as a place of duty and responsibility.

Keywords

💡Chernobyl nuclear power plant

The Chernobyl nuclear power plant was the site of a catastrophic nuclear accident on April 26, 1986. This disaster is central to the video's theme, as it discusses the aftermath and efforts to contain the radioactive materials released. The script mentions the explosion of reactor number four, which led to the release of thousands of kilograms of radioactive material into the atmosphere.

💡Liquidators

Liquidators refers to the approximately 600,000 men and women who were involved in the cleanup and containment efforts following the Chernobyl disaster. They undertook dangerous tasks to mitigate the disaster's effects. The video highlights their extraordinary and sometimes deadly efforts in suppressing, removing, and sequestering the radioactive materials.

💡Sarcophagus

The sarcophagus was an immense engineering effort constructed by the end of 1986 to encase the remains of the exploded reactor core. It was designed to contain the radioactive materials for at least 20,000 years. The video describes it as a 'Band-Aid' solution, indicating its temporary nature and the need for a more permanent structure.

💡New Safe Confinement (NSC)

The New Safe Confinement is a structure built to replace the aging sarcophagus. It is depicted as a giant arch, designed to slide over the sarcophagus, and is capable of withstanding the radioactive environment for a target of 100 years. The video emphasizes the NSC's impressive scale and engineering, noting that it is taller than the Statue of Liberty and weighs more than the Eiffel Tower.

💡Radioactive material

Radioactive material is a key concept in the video, referring to the contaminated particles and substances that were released during the Chernobyl disaster. The script discusses the efforts to remove or safely contain these materials, which are a significant hazard to both the environment and human health.

💡Gamma rays

Gamma rays are a form of high-energy radiation that can be emitted from radioactive materials. The video script mentions visual artifacts caused by gamma rays hitting the camera sensor, illustrating the high levels of radiation present in the area around the sarcophagus.

💡Elephant's foot

The 'elephant's foot' refers to a large mass of melted radioactive material and corium that formed during the Chernobyl disaster. It is mentioned in the context of the high radiation levels and the potential for gamma rays to leak from it, emphasizing the ongoing dangers associated with the disaster site.

💡Radiation detectors

Radiation detectors are instruments used to measure the levels of radiation in an area. The video describes the use of these detectors by the team entering the NSC, indicating the necessity for monitoring radiation levels to ensure safety and to know when to撤离 due to high radiation.

💡Nuclear cleanup

Nuclear cleanup is the process of removing or safely containing radioactive materials after a nuclear accident. The video discusses the long-term goal of Chernobyl's cleanup, which is to eventually have no more Chernobyl, highlighting the scale and complexity of the task.

💡Remotely piloted machines

These machines, mentioned in the script, are used within the NSC to dismantle the sarcophagus and handle radioactive materials. They are remotely controlled to protect workers from direct exposure to radiation, showcasing the advanced technology employed in the cleanup efforts.

💡Neglected pressure

Negative pressure within the NSC is a safety feature designed to prevent the release of radioactive materials in the event of a breach. The video explains how the pressure inside the Dome is lower than the outside atmosphere, which would force air in but not out, thus containing any potential radiation leaks.

Highlights

On April 26, 1986, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded, releasing thousands of kilograms of radioactive material.

The explosion sent contaminated particles into the air for days, contaminating over a hundred thousand square kilometers of Europe.

Six hundred thousand men and women, known as Liquidators, worked to suppress and remove the radioactive materials.

By December 1986, the sarcophagus was constructed, a concrete tomb for the remains of the exploded core.

The sarcophagus was designed to withstand radiation for at least 20,000 years but was only expected to last 30 years.

In 2007, the project contract for the New Safe Confinement (NSC) was signed, aiming to replace the aging sarcophagus.

The NSC was designed to be a giant arch, weighing more than the Eiffel Tower and taller than the Statue of Liberty.

In 2017, the NSC was moved into place, becoming the world's largest mobile structure, designed to last for a hundred years.

The NSC was constructed to shelter the remains of Chernobyl, with the goal of having no more Chernobyl disasters.

The team was granted access to the NSC with permission from the Ukrainian government to document its inner workings.

The NSC is an impressive engineering feat, with a concrete foundation, custom-made bolts, and exterior cladding.

Inside the NSC, workers constantly monitor radiation rates and air quality to ensure safety.

The NSC houses massive cranes that will be used to dismantle the sarcophagus and remove radioactive material.

The ambient radiation rate inside the NSC is over 100 times higher than almost anywhere else in the zone.

The NSC is designed to be negatively pressurized to prevent radiation from escaping in case of a breach.

The workers at Chernobyl view their job as a serious duty to their country and the world, rather than a wasteland or disaster.

The new safe confinement is seen as a hard legacy, with skepticism about its longevity and the political will to support it.

The Chernobyl site is now the final resting place of the disaster's remains, with the NSC as a gleaming tomb over the radioactive trees.

Transcripts

on April 26 1986 reactor number four the

Chernobyl nuclear power plant exploded

thousands of kilograms of radioactive

material and fuel were launched into the

sky and burning metal sent contaminated

particles into the air for days

this deadly detritus would go on to

contaminate over a hundred thousand

square kilometers of Europe

over the next year six hundred thousand

men and women known as Liquidators would

go to extraordinary sometimes deadly

lengths to suppress remove and or

sequester the most dangerous Footprints

of the disaster

by the middle of December 1986 in

immense unprecedented engineering effort

would result in the sarcophagus a

concrete tomb for the remains of an

exploded core that would remain

radioactive for at least the next 20 000

years

the sarcophagus was a Band-Aid over a

nuclear knife wound only designed to

withstand the next 30 Years and so 20

years later in 2007 the project contract

for the new safe confinement was signed

it was a giant Arch a design chosen from

hundreds of other ideas that would weigh

more than the Eiffel Tower be taller

than the Statue of Liberty and could be

slid into position over the sarcophagus

allowing its construction to be hundreds

of meters away from dangerous radiation

when it was moved into place in 2017 it

became the world's largest mobile

structure

a nuclear tomb built to shelter the

corpse of Chernobyl for a target of a

hundred years

and today I'm taking you inside

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thank you

though thousands of people have toured

The Zone since the disaster though the

NSC is easily the most iconic image of

turn Noble today to my knowledge almost

no one has been allowed inside to

document what I'm about to show you I

along with a team of nuclear scientists

and Engineers were allowed a few

precious minutes inside of the NSC with

the explicit permission of the Ukrainian

government we were there to learn what

it's like to manage the world's worst

nuclear disaster as your day job

hopefully by the end of this you will

have learned as I did that the most

dangerous place in the zone

isn't as terrifying as you may think

to get to the new safe confinement you

take a 40-minute train ride from nearby

slavutic to the Chernobyl nuclear power

plant you change your clothes and pass

through multiple radiation detectors

then you're in a van headed to the giant

arch in the distance you can't film any

military checkpoints or anything with

barbed wire

the arch itself fits snugly around the

destroyed reactor unit 4 and the

sarcophagus with the exception of the

iconic chimney

then you arrive where the NSE was first

constructed and you make your way to

where it sits now in design position

you lose something in the most famous

images of Chernobyl

scale

out of necessity almost all the photos

you've seen of a reactor 4 are from the

air or very far away but once you are

right up next to it you realize just how

massive it all actually was and is

the NSE is an incredibly impressive

piece of engineering twenty thousand

cubic meters of concrete foundation half

a million custom-made bolts 86 000

square meters of exterior cladding and

an internal diameter that could fully

contain the Roman Coliseum

five years ago the new safe confinement

was slid into its design position

this design position encases both the

building and the sarcophagus now

keeping radiation radioactive dust

inside

it is easily the most iconic image of

Chernobyl today

still in your clean clothes provided by

the power plant going inside the NSC

first means entering through the

technological building the structure's

nerve center where workers constantly

monitor radiation rates air quality and

more inside the Dome

far from being secretive about Chernobyl

as a day job the head of radiation

safety at the power plant explained at

length the inner workings of the shelter

let us film whatever we wanted to and

took questions from our foreign

engineers and scientists for almost an

hour

workers sit at computer monitors shift

changes ring out over PA systems the

walls of the technological building are

covered with design diagrams and

graphical descriptions of the second

major function of the NSC cleanup

ultimately 2 million kilograms of

radioactive material on and inside the

sarcophagus have to be removed and or

made safe to accomplish this the NSC has

a spine of massive American-made cranes

that can lift 50 tons each over time

these remotely piloted machines will

pick apart the sarcophagus piece by

peace the goal of chernobyl's cleanup is

to have no more Chernobyl

it was time for us to see the

sarcophagus we donned more protective

gear than anywhere else in the zone hard

hats gloves booties new masks and plant

provided radiation detectors that would

tell us exactly when we'd have to leave

[Music]

touch nothing sit nowhere and don't drop

anything

[Music]

entering through a literal airlock you

are immediately struck by two sounds

first the cacophony of white noise

produced by the dust suppression system

inside the Dome

second the immediate desperate chirping

of your radiation monitor as you blow

past the safe limit you set for yourself

outside

oh man here inside the NSC the ambient

radiation rate is over 100 times higher

than almost anywhere else in the zone

it only gets hotter the closer you get

to the sarcophagus

and it wasn't just our Geiger counters

that were affected

many months later when we eventually

went through this footage we noticed

something fairly sober

the white pixels you see here popping

into and out of single frames of footage

are actually visual artifacts from gamma

rays leaking out of the exploded core

and elephants foot and hitting the

camera sensor directly in front of our

faces

everything inside the NSC is actively

monitored with complex to symmetry

equipment if the ambient levels of

radiation spiked or if for example

neutrons started leaking out of a

basement room under the sarcophagus as

happened in the summer of 2021 plant

scientists would know immediately

when you get to the new safe confinement

under the arch as they call it one piece

of clever engineering hits you almost

immediately and I mean that almost

literally because you can hear it when

you open and close the doors this entire

shelter is supposed to be negatively

pressure that is to say that the outside

atmosphere one atmosphere that's going

to be larger than the atmospheric

pressure inside of this Dome now the

engineers and scientists wanted to be

that way because if there is any

eruption or Excursion or hole in this

Dome the pressure will force air in but

not out in that terrible event they do

not want more radiation more dust

escaping the new safe confinement rather

the Earth's atmosphere would act to hold

it inside it's kind of like the same

thing that happens at biological

Laboratories and their safety levels to

prevent the Excursion of viruses but

that's a small lab this Dome

is taller than the Statue of Liberty

it's too easy for media to get the idea

that the Chernobyl disaster is now a

forgotten tragedy

a deadly mistake lying in some

unsupervised ruins in the Ukrainian

Woods

could want to look after a place like

this

but four thousand men and women make

their living here

to them it's not a wasteland but a work

order

not an ongoing disaster

but a day job a job that everyone I met

took extremely seriously as a duty to

their country

and to the world

from everything that I've seen from

everything that you've seen I think

you've probably had your intuitions

about this place challenged yes there

are dangerous areas yes there are things

you shouldn't touch in places you

shouldn't sit down but in 35 years

scientists engineers very smart people

have tried to solve one of our toughest

nuclear problems As Long as You Follow

the science follow safety regulations

you can work in an environment like this

safely I very much respect the people

that do this every single day this is a

hard Legacy to carry on your shoulders

some foreign scientists today are

skeptical that the new safe confinement

will really last a hundred years even if

it does there is very little political

will to help alleviate Ukraine's nuclear

burden

and it remains to be seen how Russia's

invasion of Ukraine will change how

nuclear power plants in the area are

managed dead or not

for the next few decades at least this

is the final resting place of

chernobyl's corpse

towering Dome on the horizon

a gleaming tomb Rising above radioactive

trees

until next time

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foreign

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foreign

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