Event date: May 15, 2014

Format: Event video.

Summary: In this video, Timothy Mousseau, a professor of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina, who served on a National Academy of Sciences committee examining the incidence of cancer near nuclear power plants, discusses the biological consequences of nuclear disasters, specifically focusing on the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. He highlights the long-lasting effects of these events on the ecosystems and wildlife in the surrounding areas, including mutations and deformities in plants and animals. Mousseau emphasizes that the damage caused by nuclear disasters is not just limited to the immediate aftermath, but can continue to impact the environment and organisms for generations. He also discusses the potential risks of nuclear power and the need for better safety measures to prevent future disasters. Mousseau’s speech highlights the serious and long-term impact of nuclear disasters on the natural world and emphasizes the importance of continued research and safety measures to prevent future catastrophes.

Running time: 1 hour 3 minutes 15 seconds. 

Materials: For access to the video, transcript, captions, and additional information, visit Library of Congress.

Reference

Library of Congress & Library of Congress. Science, T. (2014) Biological Consequences of Nuclear Disasters: From Chernobyl to Fukushima. Washington, D.C.: Library of Congress, -05-15. [Video] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2021689423/.