โ™ป๏ธap environmental science review

Chernobyl disaster

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated August 2025

Definition

The Chernobyl disaster refers to an accident that occurred on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. It was the worst nuclear power plant accident in history, resulting in a large release of radioactive materials and significant environmental and health impacts.