Towards a shared understanding

The severe nuclear accident which occurred at Chernobyl in 1986 has had many consequences. A reactor was completely destroyed, releasing radio-nuclides and radioactive debris for about 10 days. Vast tracts of land were contaminated, requiring countermeasures both within the USSR and in other countries in the northern hemisphere. At the request of the Soviet Authorities an international project was organized in 1990 investigate some of the accident's consequences and its effects on the population still living in the region. Seven international agencies participated, co-ordinated by the international Atomic Energy Authority (IAEA). Specifically, the Soviet request was for: