THE NUCLEAR AGE
by Kim Landon
An explosion rips through the silent hours of the late night. Within seconds, a plume of radioactive contaminants shoot five kilometers upward into the dark sky. Over a decade later, the tragedy in Chernobyl remains vivid in many minds. A small operator error, a simple flip of a switch, and the world will never be the same. Ten years into the future, the question remains: "What now? . . . what about the victims? . . . is nuclear energy a safe, practical energy resource for the future?"
The death count is significant and grows daily. Thirty-one men were killed on site by direct exposure to high levels of radiation. The estimated number of deaths will climb to tens of thousands, as hundreds have immediately contracted radiation sickness. Many who have died or contracted radiation-related illness live far, far away from Chernobyl. However, wind, rain, gravity and atmospheric turbulence have spread large amounts of radiation throughout the world. Varying amounts were spread to areas as distant as the western coast of California.
Perhaps the children who live now and who are not yet born, are the most innocent of all victims of Chernobyl. Belarus, which lies north of the Ukraine, received 70 percent of the radiation fallout, and 800,000 children were affected. These children, whose immune systems have been altered by the radiation, have increased risk of developing thyroid cancer and leukemia. The "Canadian Relief Fund for Chernobyl Victims in Belarus" is attempting to assist these children. The mission is to find temporary Canadian families for a "get healthy" visit. Evidence reveals that when these children return, their immune systems are improved.
In the memory of those who have died and for the thousands of people, young and old, who have experienced this disaster firsthand, the world community must act to ensure nuclear energy and its testing is controlled. What can be done now to ensure that such a catastrophe never occurs again? And what are the standards for nuclear energy applied here in Canada?
A 1995 review of nuclear safety within Ontario Hydro Nuclear facilities revealed a less than positive evaluation. Ineffective communication and failure to comply with operating policies, as well as a higher rate of exposure radioactive to employees has led Hydro to implement changes to make significant improvements in nuclear operations over the next year. Across Canada, the story is much the same as many of our nuclear plants age.
We live in a society where citizens will ultimately decide whether or not they want nuclear energy. High radiation levels will imperil the surrounding vicinity of Chernobyl for thousands of years to come. The tragedy, the desolation and the human victims should serve as a constant reminder to Canadians of just how destructive uncontrolled nuclear power may be, and how easy it is to lose control.