Is the Chernobyl area still radioactive today?
Posted on Feb 24, 2026 / Travel
Yes — radiation from the 1986 explosion and fires still lingers in the Chernobyl area, especially in soils, water and structures near the plant. Radioactive elements like cesium‑137 and strontium‑90, which have half‑lives of about 30 years, are still present in parts of the Exclusion Zone. The worst hotspots are generally inside the 30‑km restricted perimeter around the power station. Many areas have radiation levels that have dropped compared with 1986, but they can still be above normal background levels. Scientists and authorities monitor the environment and groundwater closely because contamination can affect ecosystems over the long term. Even though you can visit parts of the zone under guided tours, exposure is minimized by time limits and access controls. Long‑term studies continue on how radiation affects wildlife, plants and ecosystems in the zone.
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