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Chernobyl nuclear reactor still a serious threat to Europe

Ukraine leader says Chernobyl reactor a threat, THE HUFFINGTON POST, ANNA MELNICHUK | April 26, 2010 KIEV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s president warned Monday on the 24th anniversary of the world’s worst atomic accident that the Chernobyl nuclear reactor remains a serious threat to Europe.

The 1986 reactor explosion sent a cloud of radiation over much of Europe and severe health problems persist. President Viktor Yanukovych says around 2 million people have illnesses caused by the radiation, and non-governmental organizations estimate the disaster has caused more than 700,000 early deaths.

The exploded reactor is encased in a deteriorating shell and internationally funded work to replace it is far behind schedule.Yanukovych said during commemoration ceremonies Monday that the reactor is a threat “not only for Ukraine, but for Europe, Russia and Belarus.”Ukraine leader says Chernobyl reactor a threat

April 27, 2010 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment, EUROPE | antinuclear, cancer, nuclear, nuclear secrecy, nuclear spin, nuclear technology, nuclear weapons, radioactive, reactor