Radioactive pollution has many repercussions that can be categorized differently. Genetic and environmental variables have been considered for this study on the Chornobyl reactor accident in Belarus in 1996 (Chornobyl 0:10 – 4:12). The incident was caused by reactor number 4 during a test that has had its effects ripple over time. With numerous fatalities to date, research has shown that more than nine million lives have been affected in one way or another by the blast. Apart from physical health, victims suffer mental health complications (Chornobyl 7:22 – 14:29). An emphasis on embryology was chosen to indicate Chornobyl’s harmful influence on locals. However, environmental and genetic variables were also highlighted.
The ecological impact of the explosion on the lands surrounding Chornobyl comes first. Ever since the accident, Chornobyl has been abandoned as plant life and soil have been polluted. Iodine-131 deposited and taken up by plants caused radiation concerns as the isotope is toxic (Chornobyl 0:45). In the film, inhabitants eat mushrooms and berries containing cesium, which is deposited in their bodies, eventually causing cancer. There is evidence that radioactive contamination is harmful to animal health and farming, given that animal products like meat are found to have traces of radioisotopes. The researchers hypothesize that the prevalent thyroid cancer might be caused by cesium-137 exposure. As time passed, the levels lowered, and once-dangerous zones became safe zones (Chornobyl 12:47). The government, in effect, has stopped paying workers’ compensation in certain areas.
Secondly, genetic effects have been identified in the accident’s local area. The film focuses on kids and adolescents as the primary victims. The tragedy is linked to cancer, redundant development, and cognitive impairment. 15 to 20% of neonates are born with malformations due to radioactive isotope exposure. Most fetal abnormality sufferers are cognitively or physically handicapped at birth. These abnormalities are similar in severity to the rise in thyroid cancer cases by 100,000% (Chornobyl 5:42-7:52). The “Chornobyl heart syndrome” is a disorder in Belarus in which multiple holes occur in the heart during fetal development; these, among many others, are the health effects witnessed.
Malignancies, heart deformities, and mental handicaps are long-term effects of the Chornobyl tragedy. In addition, short-term effects are immediate fatalities and radiation sickness. The incident robbed the locals of peace of mind and caused them to despair, among other psychological and emotional turmoil. Chornobyl remains the worst in human history due to radioactive contamination. It is recommended that further research be conducted quickly to act on the issue.
Works Cited
Chornobyl Heart. Directed by Maryann Leo. 2004. Web.