FAQ

(Frequently Asked Questions)

Why do Americans use different radiation units than the rest of the world?

For the same reason we use different units for other measurements. Most of the world uses the metric system. Americans don’t. For radiation, we use what are known as “special radiation units”, such as rem, which measure radiation dose. The rest of the world uses International Standard (SI) units such as Sieverts to measure dose. One Sievert is 100 rem, and converting between them requires moving decimal points. Luckily, nearly everyone uses roentgen to measure radiation exposure.

Isn’t that confusing?
With such high radiation in some places, the zone must be crawling with mutants, no?
Why not? Since the Bomb first dropped, sundry mutants have starred in nearly every sci-fi movie about radiation.
How much time have you spent in the zone?
What was your total radiation dose?
Is that dangerous?
What does flying have to do with radiation?
What kind of protective gear did you wear?
Did you ever see that woman, Elena, that rides around the zone on her motorcycle? Her website www.kiddofspeed.com was a big thing a few years ago.

What are normal background radiation levels?
What are the radiation levels in the zone?
How is it possible that Chernobyl helped nature? Wasn’t it the worst environmental disaster ever?
Of all Chernobyl-related subjects, why did you decide to write about natural history?
What led to your interest in Chernobyl?