| Administrative history | He was internationally renowned for his pioneering work in building chemical plants and improving the health and safety conditions for workers in the chemical industry. His expertise in environmental impact, particularly of radiation, saw him lead the first international team into Chernobyl to assess the damage caused by the catastrophic reactor meltdown in 1986.
Disturbed by the fact that 31 young Soviet soldiers and firefighters had died after exposure to high doses of radiation during the containment operation, he later assembled a group of 100 retired engineers and scientists – Volunteers for Ionising Radiation – who would be available to help during any future such emergencies. After receiving advice from radiobiologists, he reasoned that people who were over 65 would tolerate exposure better than those who were younger and would have fewer concerns over possible genetic effects.
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