Three Mile Island Nuclear Effects

Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in March of 1979, a reactor malfunction resulted in the release of radioactive material into the atmosphere. The automatic release valve malfunctioned, which prevented water from entering the system and cooling the reactor core. This incident is considered the worst disaster in U.S. nuclear history (Gale). However, from this incident we learned more about how reactors work, the environmental impact, and the health consequences of radiation exposure. As nuclear energy emerged, an Italian physicist, Enrico Fermi, discovered the power of nuclear fission in 1934 (Britannica). He blasted uranium with neutrons to create a product much lighter in comparison to uranium. During the 1950s and 1960s, nuclear power plants
The incident on Three Mile Island had very insignificant effects on the workers and citizens near the power plant. There wasn’t enough radioactive material to cause harm. Nuclear weapons can cause massive health problems and ruin living conditions. There are three types of radiation: thermal, residual, and initial. Thermal radiation is caused by the impact of a nuclear bomb, burning the skin and eyes. The impact of thermal radiation also can cause massive fires around the area of impact. An article states,” A special feature of a nuclear explosion is the emission of nuclear radiation, which may be separated into initial radiation and residual radiation. Initial radiation, also known as prompt radiation, consists of gamma rays and neutrons produced within a minute of the detonation” (Britannica). These gamma rays are extremely deadly and dangerous. Contact with gamma rays can cause radiation sickness, as well as cancer. After the initial radiation, residual radiation takes over, the environment cant handle life and people get sick from the radiation. Extensive periods of radiation can cause deformities and it is extremely dangerous for pregnant