Radioactive Tourism

The year 2006 marked the 20th anniversary of the world’s worst nuclear accident. Controversy still exists about the overall effect of the explosion at Chernobyl, Ukraine. Independent studies contest the UN’s estimate of 4000-9000 cancer deaths; some even suggest a staggering figure of 93,000.

Today, a new trade is beginning in the ghost-towns of Chernobyl: tourism. Although radiation levels remain extremely high in the “Dead Zone,” several travel agencies have begun leading tours (which cost US$100-400), to look at the fateful reactor 4, visit towns in the Dead Zone, and check out radiation-filled tanks.

Despite the influx of tourism, Chernobyl is still not considered safe. Geiger counters have found over 50 times normal radiation. And to make matters worse, the ruins of reactor 4—still filled with nuclear material—are showing signs of breaking down, prompting Ukraine to propose the building of a new steel facility in 2008. Tour agencies press ahead, leading over 500 tourists every year, insising that the danger lies in long-term radiation, not in a one-day encounter. Others feel that the name “the Dead Zone” speaks for itself.

For info on tours, visit www.tourkiev.com/chernobyl.php, or call 405 35 00. Solo East Tours is located at Travneva St. 12.