Citation

Kirichenko VA, Kirichenko AV, Werts DE. Biosecur. Bioterror. 2012; 10(3): 314-320.

Affiliation

Vladimir A. Kirichenko, BS/BA, is at the McIntire School of Commerce, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. Alexander V. Kirichenko, MD, PhD, is a Radiation Oncologist, and Day E. Werts, PhD, is Director of Clinical Research, both in the Department of Radiation Oncology, Allegheny General Hospital , Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/bsp.2012.0019

PMID

22853775

Abstract

Despite the tragic accidents in Fukushima and Chernobyl, the nuclear power industry will continue to contribute to the production of electric energy worldwide until there are efficient and sustainable alternative sources of energy. The Chernobyl nuclear accident, which occurred 26 years ago in the former Soviet Union, released an immense amount of radioactivity over vast territories of Belarus, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation, extending into northern Europe, and became the most severe accident in the history of the nuclear industry. This disaster was a result of numerous factors including inadequate nuclear power plant design, human errors, and violation of safety measures. The lessons learned from nuclear accidents will continue to strengthen the safety design of new reactor installations, but with more than 400 active nuclear power stations worldwide and 104 reactors in the Unites States, it is essential to reassess fundamental issues related to the Chernobyl experience as it continues to evolve. This article summarizes early and late events of the incident, the impact on thyroid health, and attempts to reduce agricultural radioactive contamination.

Language: en