The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) published this report on the “Environmental Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident and their Remediation: Twenty Years of Experience”.
The report details the effects, both long and short term, of the effects of nuclear disasters on the population and environment. The knowledge gained form this report will help prevent or mitigate future disasters like this one if/should they occur.
The report data covers from April 26th 1986 (the date of the disaster) to 2006 (the year the report was published).
This report contains five main topics: the radioactive contamination of the environment, environmental countermeasures and remediation, human exposure levels, radiation induced effects on plants and animals, environmental and radioactive waste management aspects of the dismantling of the Chernobyl shelter.
The Chernobyl Accident was the worst nuclear accident in the history of nuclear technology. It is the keystone poster-child of most fears with nuclear energy. By addressing this accident—how it happened, what went wrong, how to prevent it—the IAEA seeks to reassure the future prosperity of nuclear power.
It has been cited in reports of the top polluted areas of the world. (http://www.worstpolluted.org/projects_reports/display/44)
According to Google Scholar the report was cited by 7 other papers.
The IAEA is made up of 168 countries and its goal is to promote the peaceful use of atomic knowledge. While the IAEA is against the weaponization of nuclear technology but is for promotion of other uses of nuclear power.
This report will allow for better response on the global, national, and local levels. Exposure levels among people and the environment will help with proper evacuation zones, treatment of patients, cleanup, and counter measures for the future.