The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has not detected any radiation-related risks from the recent fires in the exclusion zone near Ukraine’s Chornobyl nuclear power plant (NPP).
After assessing the data provided by Ukraine, IAEA explained that the levels of radiation in the country were “very small” and not threatful to human health.
IAEA Incident and Emergency Centre (IEC) head Elena Buglova said: “In addition, these radiation levels fall significantly with increasing distance from the site of the fires.”
Buglova is reported to be in close contact with authorities in Ukraine, where the fire outbreak commenced earlier this month.
IAEA noted that the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine (SNRIU) has been regularly providing updates about the fire at the NPP through IAEA’s Unified System for Information Exchange in Incidents and Emergencies (USIE).
The Ukrainian authorities operate a network of radiation monitoring stations across the country and around the Chornobyl NPP.
On 14, 17, 20 and 22 April, SNRIU is said to have provided all the updates on IAEA’s USIE about the measurements of radiation levels in the air.
Earlier this month, SNRIU notified IAEA via USIE that all nuclear and radioactive waste management facilities located in the exclusion zone were safe.
Additionally, the Ukrainian authorities have informed IAEA that this level of radiation in the air will continue to be monitored.
