The greatest radiation accident took place in Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (near Pripjat, Ukraine) on April 26, 1986. More than 600 000 people participating in clean-up projects, among which 200 000 constituted Ukrainians. The works were carried out up to 1990. Radioactive contamination spread on the territory of Ukraine, Belarus and Russia. The density of contamination is shown on the map to the left. There are contamination deposition levels of Cs-137 around of Chernobyl.

Despite various successes of sanitary revolution, health of our environment is still a major concern. Chernobyl Nuclear Plant accident reminded everyone how important it is to prevent environmental pollution and other man made health threats. Health Effects of Radiation and secondary prevention activities for those who were exposed to it is a major concern for public health professionals in Ukraine and other regions.

Slide author: Boris Ledoshchuk, MD, PhD, Ukraine