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At some point, the materials that were the core of a reactor cool after a meltdown. The problem is that some or even a lot of the core could melt and turn into a big puddle on the bottom of a reactor vessel. Further, it could melt through and onto the floor of the reactor building. It is also possible that it could melt through this, too.

While it is true that the materials of the core will eventually cool, there might be little if any core left. A big "blob" of material will eventually result. But it may take a long time for this to happen. And the release of radiation throughout this time may be extremely large and contaminate a broad area.

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