Thanks to the HBO series, Chernobyl has received a massive influx of tourists, some more reckless than others, leading to situations like the one we’ll discuss today: the viral photo of two women on the abandoned claw. Despite the efforts of specialists, many people are putting their lives at risk just for a few likes on social media…

The Abandoned Claw

Within the vast exclusion zone of Chernobyl, there lies an object that encapsulates the immense danger and devastation of the 1986 nuclear disaster: an abandoned excavator claw.

At first glance, it seems like an old tool that was simply left behind, but it was used during the cleanup efforts after the reactor collapse. It now stands as a symbol of the persistent risks of radioactivity. Despite this, it has become a point of interest for both researchers and tourists, even though it represents an extreme danger due to its high levels of radioactivity.

The Source of Its Danger

The excavator claw was used to handle and remove highly radioactive debris, including graphite fragments and other materials from the destroyed reactor core. This essential work exposed it to intense levels of radiation, deeply contaminating it.

According to Rob Maxwell, a radiation expert who has visited the area, the claw emits 39.80 microsieverts per hour of radiation, an alarming figure that is more than 200 times higher than normal environmental radiation levels. Maxwell emphasizes that just a touch can be lethal, a testament to the enormous level of contamination it suffered during the post-disaster cleanup.

Radioactive Materials Involved

Having been used to manipulate and remove highly radioactive debris from the destroyed reactor core, the claw was exposed to various substances. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, it handled graphite and other radioactive materials resulting from the explosion of reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear plant.

Due to its direct contact with these materials, the claw became extremely contaminated with dangerous radioactive isotopes like cesium-137 and strontium-90. These elements have long half-lives, meaning they remain dangerously radioactive for decades.

Comparison with Other Contaminated Objects

Radiation expert Rob Maxwell measured the radiation emitted by the claw and found it emitted 39.80 microsieverts per hour (μSv/h), significantly higher than normal environmental radiation, which is usually around 0.17 μSv/h in places like Sydney, according to Chernobyl Story. This level of radiation is more than 200 times higher than normal background levels and potentially lethal with prolonged exposure.

Despite its danger, the excavator claw remains on the surface without any special protection to prevent direct access, making it one of the most hazardous objects in the exclusion zone.

The Viral Photo Controversy

In 2017, before the area became highly touristic, a photo went viral showing two women posing next to the abandoned claw of Chernobyl. As expected, the image generated significant controversy.

The photo, showing two women completely ignoring the dangers of the place and disregarding common sense, was also criticized for its lack of respect towards the disaster’s victims, its ignorance, and the disregard for their own safety.

Unfortunately, such situations have increased, showing an upward trend in the exclusion zone that has significantly risen since the release of the HBO series on Chernobyl.

Sadly, it is unknown what happened to the girls after that photo. None came forward, nor were their social media profiles found. The only speculation, given all the information from experts, is that they might not be in good health.

Risks for Tourists

Visiting Chernobyl is not without risks. Although authorities assure that the radiation levels tourists are exposed to are relatively low, the area remains highly dangerous. The main risks include:

• Radiation: Despite safety measures, exposure to radiation remains a significant concern.
• Falls and Accidents: The abandoned buildings of Pripyat and other areas are in deplorable conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Contamination: Contact with contaminated materials and surfaces can result in exposure to dangerous levels of radiation.
• Lack of Signage: The zone is not always well signposted, and some guides may not adequately warn about the dangers.

Regrettably, countless articles and news stories have been published about people who have no self-respect and will do anything for a few likes on social media, so it is likely that such things will continue to happen.