Chernobyl: analysis of the information given by the media

Alarmist information was given by the media after Chernobyl, causing public concern on nuclear energy. Electricite de France published a document 'Chernobyl, truth and falsehood' in March 1991, in order to give elements of critical analysis to the staff of the company. The information given was grouped in three parts: what is true, what is wrong and what is uncertain. This classification was established and explained on the basis of scientific and medical knowledge on the effects of ionizing radiation, the scanty international scientific publications about Chernobyl, the reports by international organizations and eyewitness accounts of western people who worked in humanitarian organizations. (author)