New opportunities for Chernobyl: part of the exclusion zone recognized as suitable for agriculture

For the first time in more than three decades after the Chernobyl disaster, scientists have officially recognized a part of the territories that were long considered unsuitable for life and farming as safe for growing crops. The results of a new study, published in the Journal of Environmental Radioactivity, indicate that radiation contamination in some areas has significantly decreased, opening up new prospects for agricultural use.

According to The Independent, this is a part of the Zhytomyr region, which is part of the exclusion zone. The territory with an area of ​​​​about 2,000 square kilometers has remained practically without economic activity since 1986. However, natural processes, in particular radioactive decay and soil erosion, have significantly reduced the level of contamination.

The research was conducted by scientists from the University of Portsmouth (Great Britain), who analyzed about 100 hectares of land. They assessed how safe it is to grow crops such as potatoes, corn, grains and sunflowers. The results were encouraging: the effective dose of radiation for agricultural workers in the studied areas is significantly lower than the standards established in Ukraine.

Moreover, scientists found that the radiation background in these areas is even lower than the average natural background in many other regions of the world. This indicates that, provided that proper control and compliance with sanitary requirements are maintained, the products grown here can be safe for consumption.

"Since the 1986 accident, many exaggerations and misconceptions about the level of radiation threat have been spread, which negatively affected the residents of the surrounding areas. Our study proves that a balanced return to agriculture is possible," emphasized one of the authors of the study, Professor Jim Smith.

Scientists recommend that the Ukrainian authorities review the current zoning map of the territories around Chernobyl. This will allow for limited, controlled farming, which in turn can stimulate the development of the local economy and create new jobs without harming people's health.