Subscribe now

Environment

Farmland near Chernobyl nuclear reactor is finally safe to use again

Radiation surveys suggest that it is now safe to grow food on farmland that has been unused since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, but changing its status would face local opposition in Ukraine

By Michael Le Page

19 June 2024

A radiation measurement being carried out in the Chernobyl exclusion zone

SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA-EFE/Shutte​rstock

Large areas of farmland around the Chernobyl nuclear reactor that are officially classed as contaminated now appear to be safe to use for growing food, as surveys show radiation levels have fallen below the levels regarded as unsafe according to Ukrainian regulations. Changing the status of this land could help compensate for farmland lost as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“More than 80 per cent of [surveyed] territory can be returned to agricultural production,” says Valery Kashparov at the National University of…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account