Effects Of Chernobyl

Transforming the Hollywood sequel

The summer of 2009 was a disappointing time for many film enthusiasts after the unsuccessful release of "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen."  Like many other sequels, the Transformers franchise made the mistake of trying to outdo the original product, specifically in terms of special effects, story structure, and length. While the second installment of Transformers fell short of audience expectations, the third film "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" completely and utterly makes up for the inadequacies of its predecessor.

One of the best aspects of "Dark of the Moon" is that it does not try to outdo the first two films, but rather creates an entirely new story based in the "Transformers" universe. Instead of setting the movie in an alternate timeline, "Dark of the Moon" relies on many historical events such as the Space Race of the 1960s and the Chernobyl nuclear disaster to support the final chapter in the war between the Autobots and the Decepticons. As more details of the plot emerge, it becomes clear just how much is at stake for both humans and Transformers alike.

Like first two films, the special effects used in "Dark of the Moon" are of the highest quality. The instant transformations of the title characters from their alternate modes are amazing as ever and the battle scenes are just as  explosive, if not more so, than the previous two films. Slow motion filming allows the audience to see just how brutal these battles are; their varied settings create an idea of what the world would be like if an alien race were to take over the country.

A prime reason why "Dark of the Moon" makes up for "Revenge of the Fallen" is that it takes place in locations that many viewers would easily recognize, instead of trying to create three different storylines taking place in countless countries. While brief incursions are seen in the Middle East and Europe, the majority of action centers in well known cities of the United States that include Washington D.C. and a final climactic showdown in Chicago. The amount of destruction caused in these cities by both human and alien alike will make lovers of the Transformers franchise very proud.

While sequels have many drawbacks, they also have the benefit of bringing fresh new characters into the mix, and "Dark of the Moon" is no different. Two of the many aliens to join the conflict between Optimus Prime and Megatron include the long lost leader of the Autobots, Sentinel Prime, voiced by Leonard Nimoy, and the menacing Decepticon, Shockwave. Although these are just two examples, the rest of the Transformers to join the fray will be ones that audiences everywhere will enjoy for the action they create as well as the vehicle forms they take on.

Will the Health Effects of Nuclear Radiation from Fukushima ...

What has happened to the media coverage of Fukushima in Japan? Can you assume that the lack of fanfare means everything is safe? Absolutely not. The reactors have been severely damaged, and containments are leaking. The risk of a large nuclear explosion is still very real.

The situation at Fukushima is now described as being as severe as Chernobyl. What do you remember about Chernobyl? A nuclear explosion occurred on April 26th, 1986, spewing out radioactive contamination 100 times greater than the nuclear weapons used at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Europe, the Soviet Union countries and parts of Asia were contaminated. Over time the contamination has spread throughout the entire northern hemisphere and the world.

It was hoped such a devastating disaster would never happen again. Now it has at Fukushima. And the extent of this current disaster still remains to be seen. Radioactive particles are continuing to be released, and the situation is far from stable. The risk of further damage still looms.

Will the health effects of nuclear radiation from Fukushima compare to Chernobyl? Yes, they will. What are the known effects?

*Cancer *Increased infant mortality and birth defects

Cancers of the thyroid, kidney and bladder and leukemia are the most common. However, all cancers increased. So far there has been up to a 22% increase in mortality from cancer over the Ukraine area. Some cancers take 40 years to develop, so the full consequences are still unknown.

Non-cancerous diseases have increased almost 10-fold. This includes diseases of the thyroid, the pancreas, the respiratory system, and the eyes. Dysfunction of the immune system is more common, with less ability to fight infection and more autoimmune disorders. The occurrence of heart attacks, infertility and impotence is greater. Cognitive function has declined, and behavioral disorders have increased, particularly in children. More psychiatric problems and sleep disorders are seen. Many additional diseases have increased as a result of nuclear radiation exposure.

Children are particularly sensitive to radiation. Infant mortality has increased, as well as spontaneous abortions, low birth weight children, and premature births. Birth defects increased, particularly for those children who were in utero at the time of the incident at Chernobyl.

There is no safe dose of radiation of any kind. All exposures are damaging and cumulative in the body. Radiation from x-rays or flying on airplanes causes damage only at the time you are being exposed. Radioactive particles are exponentially more dangerous because once they are in your tissues they continue to do damage for your entire life. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, forever. The long half-life of these particles ensures this will happen.

Chernobyl Disaster Effects, Chernobyl Disaster, Ionizing Radiation, Radioactive Contamination, Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant, Zone of Alienation, Caesium, Nuclear Fission Product, TORCH Report, Radiation Hormesis, Chernobyl Compared to Other Radioactivity Releases

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