Discussion and Conclusion

The main lessons learned at Chernobyl relate to the poor design of the reactors and poor management practices (Hohenemser 1988). Improvements in design and management are essential in the aftermath of the disaster along with improved emergency response plans. Chernobyl demonstrated that a nuclear disaster can have staggering transnational effects and that preparations for such a disaster must be in place. This was not the case in 1986 as was evident by the 6 ½ hour delay in distributing iodine pills to those with radiation exposure (Hohenemser 1988). It was also learned that environmental factors such as terrain and rainfall can affect the distribution of radiation in the surrounding area and thus lead to variable health effects (Hohenemser 1988).

Fortunately, some actions were undertaken to relieve some of the negative psychological health effects experienced by those involved. For instance, a health information centre was created in Gomel, Belarus to provide aid to the general public in the form of social and psychological counselling and health promotion campaigns (Nijenhuis et al., 1995). The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) also established nine Community Development Centres across Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia in areas with high populations of evacuees and clean-up workers (Becker 2002). Used by thousands of people, these centres focus on activities for different age groups, such as support groups, individual and family counselling, day-care, a variety of workshops and classes, and radiation and ecology education.

Although there is much political debate over the future of nuclear energy, the risks and consequences must be fully explored. The need for energy has continued to result in the push for more nuclear plants, despite concerns and potential disastrous effects. The current situation in Japan illustrates the fears of nuclear energy critics: supposed failure-proof safety measures are in fact far from failure-proof. Much more research into the positive and negative aspects of nuclear energy need to be explored before communities will be open to the idea of a nuclear plant in their backyard.

The Chernobyl disaster resulted in widespread effects felt by millions of people. All those that suffered and continue to suffer the negative physical and psychological effects must be remembered in any further discourse on the subject. In other words, the key is to take what was learned and apply it to the seemingly inevitable future of nuclear energy while keeping the Chernobyl victims in our thoughts and memories.