Sergey Krasilnikov, 65, was one of about 800,000 soldiers, firefighters, engineers, miners, farmers and volunteers tasked with taking part in the Chernobyl cleanup operation after the accident. They were known as "liquidators." Most were between the ages of 18 and 22 and came from the three worst-affected countries: Belarus, Russia and Ukraine, all then part of the Soviet Union. They were exposed to various radiation levels, and 20% may have died by 2005 while in their 30s and 40s, according to the Chernobyl Foundation, which raises funds for Chernobyl-related projects. It is not known how many are still alive, but more than 90% of the liquidators had radiation-induced health problems, such as thyroid cancer, heart disease and respiratory and digestive problems, although many scientists say not all these health problems can be attributed to radiation.
USA Today: Liquidator paid the price for cleaning up after Chornobyl accident
Visitors walk in the "ghost town" of Pripyat near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant on April 22, 2016. April 26, 2016 marks the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.
