Not only the atmosphere but also the soil, grass, and water were contaminated. In the villages closest to the epicenter of the explosion, such as Bierdianysh, cows or geese indicated very high radiation standards. Soldiers placed the animals in barns or silos and shot them.
Farm crops, fruits, vegetables, meat, or dairy products were confiscated. Some were disposed of, but a large percentage was consumed or sold in other parts of the country.
