Chernobyl disaster that happened on April 26, 1986 remains one of the worst nuclear disasters in history ahs contributed to the formation of the Elephant’s Foot – the extremely dangerous mass of hot radioactive substance located in ruins of the number 4 reactor. This dangerous substance gained its meaning for the people as a symbol of catastrophe’s enormity, an example of a nuclude energy being hazardous when protective measures are ignored.
Chernobyl Accident: Brief History
The catastrophe at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant occurred and spread more than 50 tons of radioactive material all over Europe releasing radioactive material that reached France. A major explosion in the course of an unsafe experiment led by its incomplete owners, was followed by heat whereby a kind of lava called corium was formed, which is a nuclear concrete of fuel and metals.
The Elephant’s Foot
Apparently seen literally months after the explosion occurred in December 1986 the Elephant’s Foot has the appearance of a giant wrinkled elephant foot and is hard solidified mass. Initially it gave off astonishing levels of radiation, of as much as 10,000 roentgens per hour. To understand its danger:
A period of thirty seconds exposure may bring the feeling of fainting and tiredness.
2 minutes within the exclusion zone could lead to the development of sharp manifestations of radiation sickness.
5 minutes could make the persons die within days if they get it.
While radiation intensity of the Elephant’s Foot has relatively reduced over the years, it is still extremely dangerous, and dangerous toxicity of the object is expected to be effective for tens of thousands of years.
Health Risks
It also important to note that those who recorded and researched on the Elephant’s Foot had to work in contaminated areas, which posed dangerous health effects to the subjects. Most of them had long-term illnesses due to the lengthened exposure to very high levels of radiation. Among them it is possible to point not only recently served Korneyev Artur, radiation specialist, one of the first photographers of the mass in protective equipment. He later developed numerous health problems associated with his exposure, among them cataracts.
Historical Significance and Research Cisco Systems, Inc.; Introduction of Internet Protocol version 4
Practical issues related to imaging of the Elephant’s Foot were relatively difficult due to immense radiation. This mass was first photographed clearly in 1996 and from these photographs, the enchanting glow of the mass can be seen. These images would help explain the deadly conditions within the facility even after many years after the disaster.
The Elephant’s Foot is now not only the symbol of the disaster, but the subject for the scientists to study in order to improve understanding of the effects of nuclear catastrophes and create the safer techniques for dealing with nuclear waste. Scientists are now looking at ways in which they can create controlled environment conditions and come up with extractions of the Elephant’s Foot that will reduce the dangers present in the study of the material’s properties.
Current Status of Chernobyl
Even though an improvised sarcophagus has been built over the Reactor 4, the area of 1000 square miles within the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone continues to be lethal because of accumulated radiation. A few animals have begun to inhabit the area, however, these sources suggest the bio-morphs traced to the region are, in fact, mutants with a host of mysterious ailments stemming from their experience with long-term radiation sickness.
The story of the Elephant’s Foot and the Chernobyl disaster show what may happen when nuclear energy is handled recklessly and irresponsibly, thus, it should be used with extreme caution.
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