(GRS-S 47) Chernobyl: Health Consequences - BMU-Status Report No 1

The fire at the Unit 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant on April 26, 1986, caused the release of dangerous radioactive substances and their diffusion over wide areas. This accident has shown which hazard potential has to be controlled reliably when dealing with nuclear power. Even though the reactor type used at Chernobyl had deficiencies in its design that are not found in Western reactors, the accident still had considerable consequences for the world-wide operation of nuclear power plants. Some countries are making efforts or have already decided to abandon the use of nuclear power as soon as possible. This is also the aim of the current German Federal Government. Nevertheless, it continues at the same time to work together with other countries and international organisations in order to ensure nuclear safety and radiation protection world-wide at the highest possible level for as long as nuclear power plants are in operation.