The April 1986 disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Ukraine was the outcome of a flawed Soviet reactor design combined with serious mishaps made by the plant operators. The blast was caused by a build up of steam that jammed all core rods and spread to the core of the reactor and busted. This accident caused large quantities of radioactive material to be released into the air for about ten days. Large populations in Russia, Belarus, and the Ukraine were affected as well. It not only affected humans health but it affected environmental health as well. Casualties were not really caused by the explosion itself, but more from the radiation. The radiation affected the environment along with health. Some of the effects included:
It is reasonable to conclude that the Chernobyl accident had caused and will continue to bring about a compelling measure of morbidity and mortality across Europe, from Scandinavia, through Western Europe, south to where Turkey straddles the border between Europe and Asia, and beyond.
- an estimate of over one million people were exposed to radiation
- by the end of July 1986 casualties included twenty-eight people and six were firefighters
- thyroid cancer was diagnosed in children
- pregnant women were advised to get abortions
- immune responses were damaged
It is reasonable to conclude that the Chernobyl accident had caused and will continue to bring about a compelling measure of morbidity and mortality across Europe, from Scandinavia, through Western Europe, south to where Turkey straddles the border between Europe and Asia, and beyond.