These Radioactive Tourist Spots are Simply Amazing

Humans are exposed to different types of radiation on a daily basis. Although most of these radiations are dangerous, some of them are actually not harmful. The deadliness of these radiations is not limited to humans as it also spreads across atmosphere. For this reason, radiation is often regarded as the modern killer that has rendered many places inhabitable.

You may find it surprising but it has also converted several places into popular tourist spots. For instance, various nuclear test sites, radioactive mines, and disaster zones receive regular visitors. Some of these fascinating tourist spots are listed below.

Chernobyl Control Room

One of the largest and most iconic nuclear disasters happened at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on 26^th April 1986. This site is located in Northern Ukraine and you can visit the Chernobyl exclusion zone as a tourist. Are you wondering how can the authorities allow the entry of the general public in a radioactive zone?

Over the years, the levels of radiation have diminished enough for the Ukrainian government to allow guided tours. Having said that, a lot of activities (eating, drinking, smoking, etc.) are prohibited at this site.

Similarly, if you want to visit the control room, you will have to wear hazmat suits and industrial boot. This is because the radiation levels there are 40,000 more than normal. You are allowed to stay in the facility only for a maximum of five minutes. After this 5-minute adventure, you will need to undergo two radiation tests.

British Nuclear Test Site

British government carried out a series of nuclear bomb tests in South Australia from 1956 to 1963. In the late 1960s, an attempt was made to clean-up the site in Maralinga. The authorities turned over the surface layers of soil, thus mixing them with the uncontaminated soil below. A total of 22 pits were filled with leftover bits of nuclear firings and all of them were capped with concrete.

These days you can take a bus and tour these blast zones. The highlights of this place include the abandoned military village and airfield. During your visit, you will also find markers denoting the locations of several nuclear detonations. It is one of the safest radioactive tourist spots as only seven bombs were detonated there. This value is much less than the nuclear detonations at any other nuclear test site in the world.

Mary Kathleen Uranium Mine

This mine is in Queensland and was opened during the 1950s. The mine operated until 1963 and supplied the extracted Uranium to the UK Atomic Energy Authority. After that, the mine was closed as the Mary Kathleen Uranium Limited’s contract with the authorities was completed.

The mine was reopened in 1974 and several foreign power companies utilized the resources. This activity continued until 1982 when the mine ran dry.

The main tourist attraction of this place is a stunning blue-green lake. Originally, the water in the lake was green. Somewhere along the mining process, chemicals caused the water to turn into a brilliant shade of blue. The radiation levels in the area are higher than normal but you can stay around for a few minutes. For obvious reasons, swimming in the lake and drinking water from it is strictly prohibited.

Free Enterprise Radon Health Mine

Radon is widely considered to be a harmful gas. This radioactive gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization regard it as a carcinogen. On the other hand, many people consider it a viable treatment for some conditions such as arthritis.

Following this belief, a lot of people enter radioactive caves to be exposed to Radon. Free Enterprise Radon Health Mine is one of those places in Montana. In 1949, the facility began as a uranium mine but switched to offering radon therapy, three years later. A typical run of radon therapy entails between 30 and 60 hours in the mine across ten days. No wonder this mine became one of the most popular tourist spots of the city (in no time).

The Rock of Nuclear Waste

A barren gray rock in Missouri is a sarcophagus encasing piles of uranium, radium, and TNT. During World War II, this site was used for producing explosives. During the Cold War, uranium for nuclear weapons was also enriched at the Weldon Spring Site. This continued until the late 1960s after which the site was closed.  

You might be relieved to know that more went into the disposal cell’s construction than simply covering a pile of nuclear waste with rocks. According to a security guard, 11 years of work there had no ill effects on him. Despite that, a lot of people are afraid of climbing the stairs over nuclear waste. The lack of vegetation around the mound does not help the cause either.

However, it is a popular tourist destination, especially with birdwatchers and astronomers. The surrounding landscape is flat, so the mound gives a good view of the surrounding areas. Nearby is a small museum with information about the mound and surrounding site.