Environmental Disasters

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Four particular dangerous chemicals were released into the air during the explosion and is the cause of many of the illnesses that presented themselves in the aftermath. Plutonium, which is recognized by the body as iron gets taken through the blood stream. It ultimately causes cancer and various blood disorders. This particular chemical has a half-life of approximately 24 years. Cesium 137, which is commonly mistaken for potassium and is absorbed into the muscles. Iodine 131, which is not recognized as a radioactive substance by the body. It is then absorbed by the thyroid gland. It then causes thyroid cancer especially in children 0-18 yeas of age. There is an operation that can save the children. Strontium 90, which is recognized by the body as calcium which causes leukemia when it is distributed through out the bone structure.

It ha been established by Ukraine government that approximately 7 million people were affected by the explosion. The estimated amount of people affected by the explosion was 11 times higher than what they initially expected. Today, approximately 4 million people are still living in contaminated areas. Following the explosion, reactor 4 was wrapped in concrete in November of 1986 to protect its surrounding area. Various international organizations have since pressured Ukraine government to shut down the remaining reactors to help prevent another explosion from accruing in the future. The remaining reactors were shut down in December of 2000. The chemicals that were released into the air due to the explosion have continued to spread due to weather conditions, recontaminated soil, air and water.

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