Contents

Introduction: Sorting out the Facts

Facts:

The accident was by far the most devastating in the history of nuclear power

Emergency workers were exposed to high doses of radiation; the surrounding population to far less

An increased number of radiation-related thyroid cancers is now evident

Other than thyroid cancer, long term health impacts from radiation have not been detected

Severe environmental impacts were short-term

Low-level radioactive contamination will persist for decades

Chernobyl-type reactors have been upgraded for safety

Assistance for affected areas and populations remains essential

Principal examples of assistance activities in the United Nations system

Assistance from other International Organizations