"Edit - When i said "Exciting Holiday" - i was referring to the destination, & when i talk about the area, i am referring to a DAY trip only! - not an extended period of stay. Cheers"
Good Evening All.
First up, My name is Matt & I'm from Australia. Nice forums here, alot of data!
Basically, ive been intrigued about the entire Chernobyl event, ever since i first layed eyes on it all those years ago. After doing some extensive research, and finding out alot of genuine data about traveling to the region for tours into Chernobyl, ive come to wounder about a few health related questions.
As i am in the wrong industry for getting any knowledge, (I'm currently in the Automotive Industry), and i did not do any major sciences at school, I'm pritty new to the entire radiation topic.
Now, The things that I'm hooked up on.. (I'll make a list)
1) When visiting Chernobyl, ive been told that the radiation dust (as its called?) is more likely to stick to plant matter, apposed to solid surfaces such as road-base. This is why you stick to the road, which gives you less chance of getting radioactive material on you. Is this True? Anyone wish to explain this a little further for me?
2) Touching any objects in the zone is going to transfer some small amount of radioactive data onto my body... is there a way of knowing how much is too much / what i should REALLY avoid / best way to go about it?
Eg. to help you out, one of the towns you visit on the genuine tour, is the town called Prypyat. Its on the outer skirts of the region. http://www.web-axis.net/~pulse/chernobyl/prypyat-panoramic.jpg
Map - Its Middle Top Town
Anyway, The point of that, was to show you how close it is to the Reactor.
3) What are the short term and long term effects of visiting the region, assuming I'm very careful to what i would touch / where i would go.. etc
4) Any other tips / information ?
Some Further links for anyone who is intrested...
Tour Page
Really good news story.. Read Deception below
The Above link is an AWESOME news story on a bunch of guys that go through the area.. with a camera crew. Ive created a Login and password for anyone interested in looking - (look for movie link of left hand side of screen)
Username : test_logon
Password : 12345678
Anway, Thanks to anyone who could help me put my mind to rest on how dangerious this trip is actually going to be!
Cheers
Matt