Russia’s capture of Chernobyl is a cause for concern in the Ukraine war. Experts comment on the danger – and the discussion about iodine tablets.
Kyiv/Moscow – Russia’s capture of the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine poses a serious threat. After reports of increased radiation in the exclusion zone were made public, the question has arisen as to whether dangerous radioactivity can again be expected in Europe . Various authorities observing what is happening are now taking a stand.
The capture of Chernobyl was reported just one day after Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday (February 24, 2022) on the orders of Vladimir Putin. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) then announced that increased radiation had been detected in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. At the same time, there were reports of damage to several radioactive waste storage facilities in Ukraine. As a result, many remembered how the cloud of radiation from Chernobyl came to Germany*. Especially on social media, people discussed whether it was necessary to take iodine tablets.
Chernobyl in the Ukraine-Russia conflict: the nuclear authority announces its assessment
The IAEA then announced that the levels of radiation at Chernobyl remained low and posed no danger to the public. A statement from the organization said the increased readings may be due to heavy military vehicles churning up the still-contaminated ground.
The Russian Ministry of Defense also claimed that the radiation levels were in the “normal range”. From this side it was also said that the “joint security” of the former nuclear power plant was agreed with a battalion of security forces from Ukraine.
Ukraine Conflict: Conquest of Chernobyl by Russia – Do Iodine Pills Help?
In view of the developments, the German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) pointed out that the reported radiation increase in Chernobyl should be “considered with caution”. Accordingly, neither data manipulation nor incorrect transmission nor an actual increase in radioactivity can be ruled out. In any case, it is currently not recommended to take iodine tablets.
High-dose iodine tablets can protect against radioactive radiation by saturating the thyroid gland and thus preventing the absorption of radioactive iodine. However, this so-called iodine blockade must be carried out at the right time, and it can lead to side effects. According to the BfS, iodine tablets should therefore only be taken “upon explicit request from the civil protection authorities”.
In addition, experts in the Ukraine conflict worry about the health of Putin*. Could the President of Russia be sick or “gone mad”? Finding facts about it is difficult. (vbu with AFP) *hna.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA .
