[justinpombrio]

> If not, aren't they at severe risk of radiation poisoning?

The Chernobyl exclusion zone extends miles outside the reactor, and gets tourists. I think the danger level is more like "don't live here or you'll get cancer" than "don't walk here or you'll die". And don't pick up sketchy looking things because they might give you cancer. Inside/near the sarcophagus is a different story (that I don't know, but assume is much worse).

For example, the local wildlife is apparently doing better now than it was before the meltdown, because of lack of human activity. Not counting right next to the reactor where things died.

Hopefully the Russian troops don't interfere with ongoing cleanup efforts...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_Exclusion_Zone#Radio...