Chernobyl - the Pandora syndrome

The design background to the reactor at Chernobyl is given, followed by a detailed explanation and chronology of the events which led to the two explosions in April 1986. The effects, both short and long-term are given in terms of personnel casualties. The role of the Civil Defence in the immediate aftermath of the explosions is recounted. The emergency procedures carried out are listed. These included evacuation of the local populations and smothering of the reactor fire. The next stages, of pumping out water under the reactor and building a concrete platform under the reactor are detailed as far as information is known. When the reactor basement had been reinforced the whole reactor was entombed in concrete. The radiation dose rates to the nearby inhabitants and major cities further away are given. The radiation sources and units of measurement are explained. The corresponding cancer risk factors are given. The fallout progress, the doses and their consequences are shown. (U.K.)