As a result of the production of nuclear weapons and accidents at nuclear enterprises, vast quantities of radioactive waste and numerous radioactively contaminated sites have accumulated in several countries. The United States and the former Soviet Union, as the producers of the largest nuclear arsenals in the world, also face the largest environmental consequences of nuclear weapons production. Efforts to assess and clean up contaminated areas have begun, with billions of US dollars already spent in the United States alone.

Since the end of the Cold War, the information that has become available clearly shows that the problems of the radiation legacy are extremely serious and pose an expensive burden to current and future generations. During the first phase of the project, there was an urgent need to survey the situation and gather information. Priority has been given to gaining an overview of the radiation legacy of the former Soviet Union (FSU) and more specifically to the problems within the Russian Federation.

The goal of the project is to independently evaluate existing problems caused by radioactive pollution and to disseminate information on improved technical and institutional solutions. Such solutions should promote credibility and the trust of the public while also being cost-effective. The project also, where appropriate, places particular emphasis on potential transboundary aspects of the nuclear legacy, which might cause not only radiological threats, but also tension between neighboring countries.

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Last updated: 24 Feb 2011