We all know that radiation is extremely dangerous, but nevertheless humanity is trying to use it as a source of energy for peaceful purposes, and as the most powerful weapon. But even "peaceful" use does not always guarantee safety, as radiation - is power, which is very difficult to manage. In this article I want to introduce you five of the most hazardous and radioactive places on our planet.
5. Fukushima. Japan
In March 2011, Japan's powerful earthquake, which later caused a tsunami. These two factors were the causes of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Radioactive waste that had led to the ocean from the damaged reactors were observed even at 300 km from the coast of Japan. Also the surrounding residential areas were severely affected, all the inhabitants were evacuated.
4. Semipalatinsk test site. USSR (now Kazakhstan)
One of the largest nuclear test sites in the entire USSR. The relief of the area is the best suited for nuclear testing, which is why it was decided to create it. The first explosion occurred in August 1949. power of the bomb was 22 kilotons. Total landfill produced around 600 nuclear tests of various nuclear and thermonuclear weapons. Landfill operated from 1949 to 1989. It is noteworthy that despite the nuclear test near the landfill were about 700 thousand people.
3. Hanford Site. USA
Not exploited at present complex for the production of nuclear weapons. Located on the banks of the Columbia River in Washington State. Now there is two-thirds of US radioactive waste. Since the subject no one was watching, this place gradually turns into a radioactive hell. Over time, waste drums have started leaking and the contents has penetrated deep into the ground water.
2. «Mayak» Chemical Works. USSR (now Russia)
Located in the northeast of Russia Plant "Mayak" perform functions of the enterprise, producing, processing and disposing of nuclear raw materials. Major accident happened in 1957 - due to violations of the cooling system collapsed container of highly radioactive waste. A large explosion scattered radioactive particles over a large area around the plant. This is not only an emergency, they happened there permanently, but the Soviet government to carefully hide the consequences of frequent accidents on the population. The information was declassified only in 1980.
1. Chernobyl. USSR (now Ukraine)
One of the major accidents which occurred at nuclear facilities. On April 26, 1986 an explosion occurred Unit 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. enormous quantities of radioactive substances were released into the environment. Of the resulting 30-kilometer "exclusion zone" it was evacuated about 100 thousand people. When extinguishing burning unit 4 from radiation sickness killed almost all firefighters. Despite this terrible accident in the "exclusion zone" is still inhabited by people who did not want to leave his place of residence.