What happens when there is a nuclear power plant accident?
A nuclear power plant uses uranium fuel to produce steam for generating electricity. This process changes uranium into other radioactive materials. If a nuclear power plant accident occurs, heat and pressure build up, and the steam, along with the radioactive materials, may be released. How am I protected from a nuclear power plant accident? • Nuclear power plants are designed with many systems to help prevent radioactive materials from being released into the environment. For example, reactors in the United States are built inside of concrete buildings designed to contain radioactive material that could be released in an accident. • State and local governments, with the support of the federal government and the power companies, have emergency plans for nuclear power plant accidents and routinely test their ability to protect people. In addition, to prevent terrorism, nuclear power plans have special security measures in place to limit access only to authorized people. What are the hea
