Chernobyl & radiation, two words, which have been linked for decades. Today you do not have to worry about visiting Chernobyl because the places, which are visited by tourists are decontaminated and cleaned. But there are several places, which are still dangerously radioactive and visiting them is not recommended or completely prohibited.
Basement of the Pripyat hospital No. 126
Every has already heard about the basement of the Pripyat hospital No. 126. This is the place, where all the clothes and accessories of the firefighters and employees, which were fighting with the fire at Chernobyl nuclear power plant, are laying. Pripyat hospital was nursing these people right after the disaster back in 1986. The firefighters and other liquidators got so many radiation, that they died within a year from radiation sickness. Their clothes are, however, still there, buried and emitting dangerous doses of radiation.
Red Forest near Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Red Forest, right next to Chernobyl nuclear power plant, suffered from the effects of radiation in 1986 after the Chernobyl accident. Pines, which were growing on this site (cca 10 km2), was burnt from radiation and changed its color to yellow and red. The trees contained high level of radiation, so they were cut down and a new forest was planted at this place. But the soil still has a higher level of radiation, so it is prohibited to go near or into the area of Red Forest.
Basement of Jupiter plant in Pripyat
A very interesting place for all the adventurers and stalkers, but also very dangerous. The basement of the plant, which was “officially” producing radios, is now flooded and full of dangerous materials. In the underground of the plant are ex-laboratories with chemicals and radioactive material.
Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Reactor Nr. 4
Even that now it is possible and safe to visit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, it still emits radiation. Under the sarcophagus is still laying tons of radioactive material. Although the workers are working under the sarcophagus, right next to the old Reactor Nr. 4, current technology can’t get rid of the infamous “elephant foot” – melted mass of ex-core and radioactive material.