Visit to Chernobyl

Journal Article · Fri Jun 26 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3603003· OSTI ID:6303887

Wilson, R

Details of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant were given by Soviet experts at a special International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna, Austria, in August 1986. Several unanswered questions were made much clearer by a visit to the decontaminated and operating power plant at Chernobyl and by discussions with Soviet scientists. The visit gives us insights into the way the Soviets design their technology, the consequences of the accident, and the magnificent way they coped with the disaster. Although there are general conclusions to be drawn for the rest of the world, such as the realization that operators of technological systems can and will deliberately cut out safety systems, the primary specific conclusion is to be grateful that the West did not follow the Soviet route in its development of nuclear power.

• Research Organization: Harvard Univ., Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 6303887
• Journal Information: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States), Journal Name: Science (Washington, D.C.); (United States) Vol. 236; ISSN SCIEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS
220900* -- Nuclear Reactor Technology-- Reactor Safety
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290600 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Nuclear Energy
ACCIDENTS
ASIA
CLEANING
COOPERATION
DECONTAMINATION
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
REACTOR ACCIDENTS
REACTOR SAFETY
SAFETY
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
USSR