Chapter 13: Eastern Europe  "Chernobyl's Nuclear Disaster"

Introduction In this chapter you have read about the countries of Eastern Europe. Until the late 1980s or early 1990s the former Soviet Union controlled these countries. As part of their emphasis on production and heavy industry the Soviets neglected certain safety precautions. They also neglected environmental concerns. Some of the most polluted places in the world are located in the countries that formerly made up the Soviet Union. The country of Ukraine, site of the Chernobyl accident, was one of the republics that made up the Soviet Union. Destination Title: Chernobyl: Ten Years After Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Chernobyl: Ten Years After Web Site. Scroll down to read the entire article. Use what you learn to answer the following questions. 1. How many people in the former Soviet Union have been affected by the accident at Chernobyl? 2. Which three countries were most affected by the accident? 3. What health problems have resulted from the accident? 4. What is the "sarcophagus"? 5. Write a headline news story that might have appeared on the day after the accident occurred.