While you may know about the many nuclear disasters around the world, such as Chernobyl, Fukushima, or the various nuclear test sites carried out around the globe, did you know the place on earth with the most radiation is in Iran, and its occurring naturally!
If you're someone who enjoys visiting quirky and unique places, then Ramsar, a charming town by the Caspian Sea in northern Iran, should be on your radar. Ramsar is naturally radioactive, not because of a nuclear accident or a glowing mutant problem, but because the area is rich in uranium deposits and radon gas, leading to some of the highest natural radiation levels in the world.
Though it sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, the radiation in Ramsar comes from the very ground beneath its feet, and it’s mostly harmless, unless, of course, you’re trying to get superpowers from the radon.
Ramsar’s radiation levels are due to the high amounts of uranium and thorium in the area's natural rock and soil. These elements decay and release radon gas, which causes the unusually high levels of radiation. Some parts of Ramsar can have radiation levels that are up to 100 times higher than what’s considered normal on Earth.
While this might sound alarming, the key difference is that Ramsar’s radiation is natural and steady. Locals live with it every day, and there have been no signs of major health issues directly linked to it. But, for comparison’s sake, how does Ramsar stack up against other infamous radioactive sites? Let’s look at some notable examples:
A Comparison with Other Radioactive Locations
Chernobyl
The Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine (1986) was one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents in history. After the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, radiation levels in the surrounding area were 30-50 times higher than normal. Even though Chernobyl’s radiation was much higher due to the nuclear meltdown, Ramsar’s radiation levels are still notably higher than the typical background radiation. However, Ramsar’s radiation is natural and more evenly distributed, so it poses less of an immediate threat than the concentrated, dangerous radiation around the Chernobyl site.
Fukushima
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster (2011) in Japan occurred after a massive tsunami damaged a nuclear power plant, leading to the release of radioactive materials. While the disaster’s immediate effects were serious, Fukushima’s radiation levels today are far safer compared to the other sites. In fact, Fukushima's radiation is much lower than Ramsar’s naturally occurring levels. This is because, while Fukushima experienced high radiation shortly after the meltdown, it has since been contained, and much of the area around Fukushima is now considered relatively safe for visitors. In contrast, Ramsar’s high levels are constant and widespread due to natural geological conditions.
Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site
Semipalatinsk, located in Kazakhstan, was the site of 456 nuclear tests conducted by the Soviet Union between 1949 and 1989. The radiation levels here are 15-20 times higher than normal background radiation, which is significant, but still far lower than the radiation found in Ramsar. While the tests at Semipalatinsk did lead to radioactive contamination, the radiation levels in Ramsar are mostly natural and are more consistent over time, unlike the sudden and high doses at Semipalatinsk caused by nuclear explosions. Read about the nuclear testing at the Polygon.
So, should you head to Ramsar for your next getaway? Well, it’s a fascinating place, for sure! While Ramsar does have radiation levels that are higher than most places, it’s still considered safe, as long as you’re not hanging around the most radioactive spots for too long. It’s a reminder of how powerful and mysterious the Earth’s natural forces can be. For those into odd, unique travel destinations, Ramsar offers an exciting story to tell, and you’ll definitely have something interesting to mention at your next dinner party.
