Nuclear Power Plant Emergency
Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission
in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers
generators to produce electricity. Nuclear power plants operate
in most states in the country and produce about 20 percent of the
nation’s power. Nearly 3 million Americans live within 10
miles of an operating nuclear power plant.
Although the construction and operation of these facilities are
closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission
(NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could result in dangerous
levels of radiation that could affect the health and safety of the
public living near the nuclear power plant.
Local and state governments, federal agencies, and the electric
utilities have emergency response plans in the event of a nuclear
power plant incident. The plans define two “emergency planning
zones.” One zone covers an area within a 10-mile radius of
the plant, where it is possible that people could be harmed by direct
radiation exposure. The second zone covers a broader area, usually
up to a 50-mile radius from the plant, where radioactive materials
could contaminate water supplies, food crops, and livestock. Warren
County is within this 50 mile zone.
The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant
is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the release
of radioactive material from the plant into the environment, usually
characterized by a plume (cloud-like formation) of radioactive gases
and particles. The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the
plume are radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles
deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, and
ingestion of radioactive materials.
Radioactive materials are composed of atoms that are unstable.
An unstable atom gives off its excess energy until it becomes stable.
The energy emitted is radiation. Each of us is exposed to radiation
daily from natural sources, including the Sun and the Earth. Small
traces of radiation are present in food and water. Radiation also
is released from man-made sources such as X-ray machines, television
sets, and microwave ovens. Radiation has a cumulative effect. The
longer a person is exposed to radiation, the greater the effect.
A high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death.
How can I protect myself from a nuclear power plant emergency?