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.