Deadly legacy of Chernobyl’s Elephant’s Foot revealed in after decades

the Elephant’s Foot was only emitting one-tenth of the radiation it once had. (Image: US department of energy)

Beneath the ruined reactor lies the hardened mass called the Elephant’s Foot. It is formed from molten fuel, concrete and steel inside the reactor’s basement.  At its discovery, the radiation emitted reached 8,000-10,000 roentgens per hour. Exposure of this for five minutes could kill someone within two days.

Immediate catastrophic danger

The mass released extreme radiation levels within minutes. Standing close caused organ failure and severe radiation sickness. No ordinary protective suit could save a person then. Every second near it threatened life and health.

Birth of a radioactive monster

The mass is known scientifically as corium, a molten mixture of uranium-fuel and building materials. It flowed through cracks and corridors until it solidified into a blob.  Its tough ceramic glassy surface once required a rifle to chip samples.

Why danger endures?

Although its radioactivity has decayed over decades, the mass remains highly hazardous. Radiation still emits externally from the material’s broken fragments. Scientists warn that the risk of meltdown-byproduct remains for thousands of years.

Locked away, yet still alarming

The chamber remains sealed to prevent direct access. Monitoring continues despite enormous shielding structures above. Experts say its threat lasts thousands of years. The danger lies mostly hidden from public eyes. It resists cutting, drilling and chemical breakdown. Scientists once used rifles to collect tiny samples. Even photographs were risky due to radiation intensity.

Lessons for nuclear safety

This case reminds us of the risks from uncontrolled nuclear meltdowns. It underscores the importance of robust reactor design and containment systems. Long-term monitoring and waste management must remain priorities for nuclear sites.