How deadly is the elephant's foot?

As a radiation safety expert, I have spent years studying the effects of radiation on the environment and human health. One of the most fascinating and dangerous phenomena I have come across is the "Elephant's Foot," a term used to describe a large mass of corium that formed during the Chernobyl disaster in 1986.

The Chernobyl disaster is considered one of the worst nuclear accidents in history. It occurred on April 26, 1986, at the No. 4 reactor in the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the city of Pripyat in the north of the Ukrainian SSR in the Soviet Union. The explosion and subsequent fires released large amounts of radioactive particles into the atmosphere, which spread over much of Western USSR and Europe.

Now, let's talk about the "Elephant's Foot." After the explosion, the reactor's core melted down, and a lava-like substance called corium flowed through the reactor and into the basements. This corium formed into a shape that somewhat resembled an elephant's foot, hence the name. It is estimated that this mass of corium contained about 8 to 10 tons of radioactive material.

The Elephant's Foot is considered to be extremely deadly due to the high levels of radiation it emits. According to readings taken at the time, the still hot portion of the molten core was emitting enough radiation to deliver a lethal dose in just 300 seconds. This means that if a person were to come into close proximity with the Elephant's Foot, they would receive a fatal dose of radiation in a matter of minutes.

The radiation levels around the Elephant's Foot are so high that it remains one of the most dangerous pieces of waste in the world. It is not just the immediate lethality that makes it so hazardous; the long-term effects of radiation exposure are also significant. Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to acute radiation sickness, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Long-term exposure can lead to cancer, genetic mutations, and other health problems.

Moreover, the Elephant's Foot is not just a static hazard. It is still radioactive and continues to emit radiation, which means it poses a risk to the environment and any living organisms that come into contact with it. The management and containment of such a dangerous substance are complex and require constant monitoring and specialized equipment.

In terms of containment, the Elephant's Foot is currently covered by a sarcophagus, which was built to encase the entire Chernobyl reactor after the disaster. This structure, known as the "Shelter," was designed to prevent the spread of radioactive materials and to provide a controlled environment for the remaining radioactive substances within the reactor.

However, the Shelter is not a permanent solution. It was built as a temporary measure and is showing signs of degradation. To address this, a new structure called the New Safe Confinement (NSC) was constructed. The NSC is a massive steel arch that spans over the old Shelter and is designed to safely enclose the radioactive materials, including the Elephant's Foot, for the next 100 years.

In conclusion, the Elephant's Foot is an incredibly dangerous piece of waste due to its high levels of radiation. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of nuclear power and the importance of proper safety measures and containment. The ongoing efforts to manage and contain the Elephant's Foot are crucial to ensuring the safety of people and the environment in the vicinity of the Chernobyl site.

According to readings taken at the time, the still hot portion of molten core put out enough radiation to give a lethal dose in 300 seconds. The Elephant's Foot could be the most dangerous piece of waste in the world.Dec 4, 2013