Chernobyl: Its effects in the USSR

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

OSTI ID:7002508

Marples, D R ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton (Canada)

After taking a second look at the impact of the Chernobyl nuclear plant accident, Soviet scientists and government officials are now admitting that contamination is much worse than they initially believed. Soviet citizens, fearful and suspicious from the start, find little reassurance in the new openness says the author. Recent articles in various Soviet media frankly question the accuracy of official information previously provided the public, particularly on the level of radioactive releases from Chernobyl and the size of the contaminated area. for example, one soviet study concludes that the emission of radioactive products at Chernobyl exceeded those at Hiroshima by more than 90 times. In June 1989, Marples visited the town of Chernobyl and discussed the work there with Soviet officials. He reports that major health problems are beginning to emerge among people living well beyond the 30-kilometer evacuation zone - problems that are causing increased concern among the population. The destructive effects of the Chernobyl tragedy are increasingly evident and the public appears to be seeking a scapegoat in both the central planners who direct the nuclear industry and in the soviet health authorities who misread the situation from the first and subsequently tried to hide the true picture.

• OSTI ID: 7002508
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 5:2; ISSN 0887-8218; ISSN FARPE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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