A how many mile radius would be in danger if there was a meltdown at a nuclear power plant?

Answer 1

AnswerWhen the Three Mile Island plant had a meltdown in 1979 that destroyed the reactor core, there was no danger at the site boundary (which is about 1/4 mile from the plant). The reactors in operation today are of the same design and are as safe. Additional informationOn the other hand, cancer deaths in the TMI area are statistically higher than they were pre-accident. Radioactive materials were released with the vented steam from the incident. And worse accidents can occur. We engineer to avoid them, but there are contingencies that are beyond control. Earthquakes are among the most disturbing events that can affect a nuclear power plant's operation. And a big quake can cause damage that protection schemes cannot cope with. California is earthquake country, and they're looking for the next big one. There are three operating nuclear power plants along the coast. Onward to the answerAs weather conditions, particularly wind, play a major role in the distribution of radioactive material that may result from a meltdown and the failure of containment, it is impossible to say how far away one should be if concerns over this possibility are more than minor. Each plant has engineering considerations that include the assessment of "radioactive release" scenarios, and materials should be available to the public simply for the asking. Maps will show geography and possible wind activity, and will plot out possible distribution schemes.