Chernobyl – 25 years later

On 26 April 1986 reactor N°4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in northern Ukraine exploded. Today, 25 years later, the causes and consequences of the disaster have been thoroughly examined. Many lessons have been learnt and as a result new safety measures have been implemented worldwide.

To mark this anniversary SCK-CEN has published a brochure describing the current status of knowledge with regards to the major technical aspects and the human error factors that caused the accident. The brochure also describes the repercussions the accident had on a local population, environmental and institutional level. Its aim to provide the media, politicians and all those who are interested in the subject - and respect the transparency, independence and integrity of science - with the facts surrounding the tragic events of 25 years ago.

Here is a link to the brochure and to the related SCK-CEN press release: www.sckcen.be/en/Press/Press-releases/SCK-PR-0195

Frank Deconinck

Professor Emeritus, Biomedical Physics
Vrije Universiteit Brussel;
Chairman of the SCK-CEN (the Belgian national nuclear research centre);
Honorary President of ENS