Chernobyl

Definition

Chernobyl refers to a catastrophic nuclear accident that took place in 1986 at the No. 4 reactor of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. It was caused by an explosion and fire resulting from a flawed reactor design and operator errors.

Related terms

Radioactive Contamination: The presence of radioactive substances on surfaces or within solids, liquids, or gases where they are not normally found.

Nuclear Fallout: The residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear explosion or accident and then falling back down over large areas.

Exclusion Zone: An area around a hazardous site (such as Chernobyl) where access is restricted due to safety concerns.