[Nomad577]

One of my favorite chemistry professors at The University of Texas Arlington had been part of the Russian national guard that responded to Chernobyl as a young man. He had super interesting stories, also that everyone he knew from that time had died of cancer. Years later after I graduated I saw that he had died as well. Not to contradict I just find the whole thing interesting

http://www.uta.edu/cos/NEWS/pictures/rudkevich-12-061.pdf

[GOPJ]

... Rudkevich was a distinguished scientist, well known for his work. He was exceptionally productive. He was a co-author of over 125 scientific papers published in prestigious journals including several invited...

He died young... the world lost of good person.

[Professional]

Most deaths were caused by dirty steam. Pouring water on nuke fire creates radioactive steam/dust that enters lungs.

The proper way to have fought it was using a concrete containment.

Pouring water on the fire was the major cause of death and spread of radiation.

Based upon what I’ve read, and discussions with experts