Chernobyl
On 26 April 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant experienced a super disaster. The reactor shell explodes, debris and radioactive material are hurled outwards and a nuclear cloud spreads over large parts of Europe. Among survivors, several studies indicate an increase in cataracts, brain damage, leukemia and cardiovascular disease. A connection between Chernobyl and the increase in thyroid cancer - especially among the region's children at the time - is also undisputed.
Picture Source: Wikipedia
According to different reports, the numbers of deaths vary between 8,930 and 1.44 million deaths worldwide, and if prenatal deaths are included, the figure is 1.6 million. It is said that the number of fatalities is difficult to assess, because of a lack of information.
In addition, it became known that at that time trucks coming from Eastern Europe had to be washed at the German-German border before they were allowed to enter the Federal Republic of Germany. Most of these workers later died of cancer.
Fukushima
The biggest nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl meltdown could have been avoided. This is the conclusion of a study about history, design and safety measures of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. An US Enterprice was mainly involved in the construction of the reactors. During reactor assembly, an important component was mounted upside down on reactor 1. Although it was noticed and installed in time, it was concealed by the responsible.
On 11 March 2011, the devastating nuclear disaster occurred. After a severe seaquake, a tsunami moved towards the east coast of Japan and hit the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant with full force. A meltdown occurred and radioactive material contaminated the region. Many thousands of people died or were injured.
The disposal work is expected to continue for decades to come, with cost estimates amounting to several hundred billion euros. The high unemployment rate after the tsunami disaster and the resulting existential crisis made even the nuclear power plant become a magnet in the search for a job. 100 Euros more, which are urgently needed now - versus cancer in 10 years. The new employment contract requires anyone claiming hazard pay must also be able to "tolerate" more radiation.
The work on the damaged and radiation-contaminated reactor will continue for many decades to come. At present, huge quantities of radioactively contaminated cooling and ground water are becoming a real problem. A committee of experts recommends dumping it into the sea. Until now, the radioactively contaminated water has been collected in huge tanks.