Ecologists recommend to stay inside and not to open windows

Cesium and strontium from burning forests of Chernobyl are disseminating in the south of Belarus.

Yesterday a giant fire started in the area around Chernobyl: the fire began at about 10 ha of forest land, peat land and fields. Unfortunately, the wind with had been blowing in north and northeast directions, that is why charter97.org addressed an environmentalist, chairman of the council of Ecodom public association, Iryna Sukhij, and asked to give advice for the population of Homel and Mahilyou regions.

- The authorities of Ukraine assure people that the radiation level has not become higher, the fire has been localized. It is not clear whether it is true, and how the situation can evolve. On the other hand, what has already burnt, is to fall somewhere. Indisputably, people should take care of themselves in such situations. There is a pouring rain in Minsk now, for example, and it’s a pleasant fact.

- And there is a south wind and southeaster in Homel today…

- In the present situation all the recommendations for the population given when radioactive contamination is spreading, should be used: do not go for a walk, do not open windows, to not collect mushrooms, berries and plants in your kitchen garden before you have checked their level of “fresh” radionuclides.

- Should any medicines containing iodine be taken?

- No, iodine emission took place only on the first days of the explosion of the nuclear power station in Chernobyl. What is burning and circulating in the atmosphere now is cesium and strontium. That is why, it is not the same threat as iodine, but in case it gets into internal organs of a human with food or dust, it is dangerous. Cesium and strontium could be flushed out from a body by pectin. But in general, our own immune system is the best shield from the negative impact of radiation. That is why pay attention to its strengthening.