Chernobyl hot particles found far more stable than expected

Researchers at Leibniz University Hannover and HZDR analyzed six highly radioactive hot particles released from the destroyed Chernobyl reactor in 1986. The particles proved far more stable than previously assumed, which could improve assessments of health risks.

• Six hot particles from the destroyed Chernobyl reactor were studied
• Particles remain far more stable than expected after 40 years
• Findings could refine health risk assessments
• The study appears in the Journal of Hazardous Materials