Foodborne disease is a pervasive problem caused by consumption of contaminated food and drink. More than 200 pathogens are associated with foodborne disease. An estimated 76 million cases occur annually (one in every four Americans), resulting in 300,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Fewer cases are documented because of underreporting.
Chernobyl in 1999: Human error was a major factor Reactor Four at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant began to fail in the early hours of 26 April, 1986. Seven seconds after the operators activated the 20-second shut down system, there was a power surge.
Backgrounder on Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Accident Printable Version Chernobyl History (Video) Background. On April 26, 1986, a sudden surge of power during a reactor systems test destroyed Unit 4 of the nuclear power station at Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former Soviet Union.