Was millions of people affected by radiation by the 1986 chernobyl disaster?

Yes, millions of people were affected by the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. The explosion and subsequent release of radioactive materials contaminated large areas of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, leading to widespread health impacts. Thousands of people were evacuated, and many more were exposed to radiation, resulting in increased rates of thyroid cancer and other health issues. The long-term effects are still being studied, but the disaster had profound implications for public health and the environment.