The Role of Liquidator-Dosimetrists in Documenting the Radiological Situation after the Chernobyl Disaster: A Case Study of Gunārs Opmanis

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present selected aspects of the activity of сhemico-radiological reconnaissance units during the mitigating the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine. The case study is based on analysis of previously unpublished documentation of Latvian liquidator Gunārs Opmanis prepared while working in the Chernobyl zone, as well as information obtained through a face-to-face interview. The adopted hypothesis assumes that the monitoring of the radiological situation in the 30-kilometer zone conducted by dosimetric service, documentation of regular radiation measurements and the forecasting of possible scenarios based on these measurements enabled making more accurate decisions regarding clean-up projects, evacuation of people, and changes in the strategy of deactivation of contaminated settlements.