Why is Chernobyl still radioactive? Will anyone ever be able to live there again?
Why is Chernobyl still radioactive? Will anyone ever be able to live there again?
user
The radiation from Chernobyl is mostly gone, it’s just very unsafe for people to live there right now, due to a lot of other reasons. So people will eventually be able to live there again. But first we need to remove the highly dangerous radioactive waste that’s still there, and all the radioactive particles that are in the soil and vegetation, because otherwise living there would be really dangerous for people and the environment.
assistant
How is it possible to remove the radiation?
user
In a way similar to how we might clean up oil spills.  Some of the waste products are probably being used in medical treatments.  Some of the waste is probably stored in underground chambers.  When all of the waste can be removed, some of the structures will be dismantled, and others might be preserved for science.   Some of the buildings and structures would be too dangerous to live in, so if they aren’t being used, they’ll be demolished.  Lastly, if there are areas of radiation which are above what is considered safe, it will be heavily restricted, maybe even completely sealed off.
assistant
So why hasn't the government tried to do this already?
user
There are a lot of things that need to be done, to make this happen.  The governments of Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus have a lot of different ways of doing business, and are all involved in this, so getting things done has been slow and complex.  It has also been a very difficult and emotional issue, for the people who live nearby.  I think it’s important to remember, however, that after people leave the area of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, they will still need health care.  So while people and countries all over the world have been working to help people and families affected by Chernobyl, I think it’s important to also remember that people will continue to need doctors and nurses, who were trained and experienced caring for patients who have been affected by radiation exposure.  Because of this, I think people should recognize that the time and effort that have been put into preparing to decommission Chernobyl is one of the most challenging and complex tasks that has ever been attempted, and is a huge effort, and that people working on this project will all be heroes, when we are finally able to live safely in the area of Chernobyl.
assistant
I see. So chernobyl will most likely not be inhabitable for quite a while.
user