Radiation monitoring system: from the Chernobyl accident to the present day

On April 22, an event dedicated to the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident took place at the Secondary School No. 52 of Minsk. As part of the Action Plan for events within the system of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus, Iryna Khorovets, Deputy head of the Radiation Monitoring Service – Head of the Radiation Monitoring Department of Belhydromet, spoke to students of a specialized engineering class.

The topic of the lecture – "Radiation monitoring system: from the Chernobyl accident to the present day" – sparked keen interest among the students who have chosen an engineering path. The presentation was not merely a historical overview but an immersion into the radiation safety system of Belarus.

Iryna Khorovets recounted the events of April 26, 1986, the scale of the accident, and its consequences for the territory of Belarus. She revealed the evolution of the radiation monitoring system – from the first measuring instruments to modern automated measurement stations. The students learned how dosimetric posts operate, how air, soil, and water samples are collected and analyzed, and how data is transmitted in real time to the processing center. Special attention was paid to the importance of training qualified specialists capable of working with high-tech equipment and making decisions under potential risks.

The students actively asked questions regarding both technical aspects of monitoring and personal safety, as well as the prospects for the development of nuclear energy.

The event was held in a dialogue format, which made it possible not only to convey knowledge but also to inspire students to make an informed career choice in the fields of ecology, environmental management, and engineering sciences.

Such meetings with young people are an important part of Belhydromet’s educational work. They help foster a scientific worldview among the younger generation, a responsible attitude toward the environment, and an understanding of the state’s role in ensuring environmental safety.