Svetlana has worked on this collective farm since she was 21, seven days a week, with only one seven-day holiday in 12 years. The cows she milks are emaciated and produce only two to three litres of radioactive contaminated milk per milking. Her day starts at 5 a.m. and continues until 8 p.m. netting her a $15 salary monthly. Her three children and unemployed husband rely on her for sustenance. She may bring home milk from the farm for her family but it is deducted from her wages.
