Chernobyl, 35 years later 35 years after the Chernobyl nuclear accident which occurred on 26th April 1986 in Ukraine, we outline the last information of the situation on the following topics :
The Chernobyl safety of site facilities (PDF file),
The radioactive waste resulting from the accident (PDF file),
The large fires in the Chernobyl region (origins and environmental consequences) (PDF file),
The effects of the Chernobyl and Fukushima accidents on ecosystems (PDF file).
The Chernobyl Plume
Representation of cesium-137 radioactivity concentration over Europe between 26 April and 6 May 1986.
View the animation
Ten key data sheets
1.
The radioactive particles released during the explosion of the reactor were blown over thousands of kilometers by the wind
2.
Air contamination levels were significantly different depending on the geographical area and changed rapidly between 30 April and 5 May 1986
3.
The deposition of radioactive particles is enhanced during rainfall
4.
Deposition across France, and throughout Europe, is highly uneven
5.
Contamination of foodstuffs was determined by the date of the accident and deposition characteristics
6.
After deposition, the contamination level of farm produce fell at variable rates
7.
Since 1987, the contamination of farm produce has fallen faster than the radioactive decay of caesium
8.
Special cases concerning more sensitive products
9.
Mean doses received by the French population from the Chernobyl accident were low
10.
In France, the issues raised about how the accident affected health concern thyroid cancer
Booklet: Chernobyl 25 years on
Download the booklet (PDF file)
1. The accident
2. Radioactive releases
3. Spread of the radioactive plume over Europe
4. Radioactive deposits in Europe
5. Contamination of various environments and the food chain
6. Health impact in the most contaminated areas
7. Doses received in France and their associated risks
8. The site today
9. Lessons learned from Chernobyl
Further information
Final conclusions on the Franco-German initiative (IFA) for Chernobyl launched in 1996- Safety of the sarcophagus
Program 1 (PDF file)
- Study on radioecological consequences
Program 2 (PDF file)
- Study on health impacts
Program 3 (PDF file)
Information file on the Aurengo mission In 2002, the Ministers for Health and the Environment asked Professor Aurengo to study the radioactive fallout in France from the Chernobyl accident and its consequences on health.
Download file (PDF file)
Criticisms sent to IPSN concerning the estimated consequences of the Chernobyl accident in France IRSN/DSDRE/GT Report No. 3 of July 2005 :
Download file (PDF file)
