The Cherynobyl nuclear reactor accident happened in April 1986 and this documentary was filmed about 16 years later. The sick and deformed babies and children shown in the documentary are presented as solely or primarily continuing consequences of radiation from Chernobyl.
The film crew donned protective gear for some sequences and their radiation monitors showed about 13,000 (I forget whether rads or that newer measurement), WAY above anything safe.
As I recall, safe radiation levels are around 10 or less.
I wish you all had access to viewing this documentary. I realize many of you don't, but if you ever have a chance to see it anywhere, I think you should.
Like most events, many specific numbers can be debated, but the overall adverse effect of Chernobyl seems quite bleak and acknowledged by most people.
I take nothing for granted, including this documentary, and I reject biased presentations like Michael Moore's. But Chernobyl Heart seems pretty even-handed and deserves a lot of credit for showing the continuing problems from the Chernobyl accident.
If there are errors or biased reporting in Chernobyl Heart, please enlighten me in detail.
I've always been a supporter of peaceful nuclear power and still am ... but the consequences of reactor accidents are appalling.
Interesting info elsewhere on web charts shows how nuclearized many nations are, e.g., France leading with about 70% of its power from nuclear reactors.
And accidents like Chernobyl know no borders. Chernobyl is in northern Ukraine but the winds carried most of the radioactivity north to Belarus and beyond.
Among the points to check in making any housing move nowadays are where is the nearest nuclear reactor and what are the prevailing winds.
Those of you who have HBO On Demand, go now to your television and view Chernobyl Hearts before it ends tomorrow (March 13). Take a fresh box of tissue.
And post what you think about it.