Radiation Sources: Destroyed and Stolen by the Occupiers in Chornobyl

During their stay in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone, the Russian occupiers broke into the radiation sources storage facility, where samples of radioactive solutions and calibration sources were stored.

133 radiation sources with a total activity of 7 million Becquerels were stolen and damaged. For comparison, it is 700 kg of beta and gamma radiation radioactive waste.

The location of the stolen radiation sources is currently unknown, and the condition of the damaged ones will be determined after an inventory and measurements.

In addition, the laboratory of the Institute for NPP Safety Problems was looted and destroyed. It contained radiation sources and samples of fuel-containing materials from the Shelter, which were used by scientists to conduct research. The location of these materials is also unknown.

Experts of the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management suggest that the radiation sources were taken out by the invaders as “gifts”, wearing which for two weeks can cause radiation burns, radiation sickness and irreversible processes in the body.

However, there is another assumption that the radioactive materials were left in the Exclusion Zone, i.e. there are risks for personnel. That is why, after checking for mines and the availability of equipment, it is important to immediately resume radiation dosimetry studies and remove radioactive sources to specialized storage facilities.

According to the State Agency of Ukraine for Exclusion Zone Management