>>1284399If I recall correctly, that picture was taken several years after the initial incident. Background radiation at the site had decreased significantly and it was the first time that large numbers of researchers went back in to study the wrecked reactor. The Elephants Foot was still highly radioactive, but guys could get close and take samples as long as they were quick with minimal concern.
Guy in pic related, and many other researchers and workers are still alive and fine today. Maybe a few latent health problems, but the danger from is largely overblown.
Those guys that you hear about dying in a matter of days and their skin melting off after exposure were exposed to levels of radiation far beyond anything you'd get standing next to the foot for a few seconds.
