Significant increase in radiation in Chernobyl exclusion zone, heavy wildfires still raging
Image credit: TW
Nuclear inspectors in Ukraine have measured a significant increase in radiation in the Chernobyl exclusion zone as a result of heavy wildfires raging in the close proximity of crippled nuclear power station.
Radioactive element cesium-137 in the air has reached a level called “sequence above the norm” (approximately ten times the norm), the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRI) reported on Wednesday, July 1, 2015.
The agency has not released any information regarding possible health hazards for people living near the zone or firemen battling blazes nearby, RT reports.
This is the second wildfire to break out near the Chernobyl nuclear power station this year after about 400 hectares of forests burned in May.
Authorities claimed there had been no serious contamination then.
Cesium-137 is one of the most dangerous nuclear elements, as it accumulates in the body and can lead to leukemia.
Featured image courtesy of mns gov.ua.
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