Research over the years has found that a black mold, formed from a number of different fungi, has been growing toward radioactive particles, and surviving on ionizing radiation, at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine.

Ionizing radiation is any electromagnetic or particulate radiation that has enough energy to detach electrons from atoms, and can cause chemical changes in cells and damage DNA.

Humans are exposed to ionizing radiation via natural sources, but too much exposure can result in health hazards.

Why It Matters

In April 1986, several explosions at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant's reactor number four sent a fireball of radioactive material into the atmosphere, and resulted in widespread radiation-induced illnesses and deaths among humans and animals.

The reactor has

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