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generating plant near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, resulted in an accident that profoundly affected
the utility industry. A combination of stuck valves, misread gauges and poor decisions led to a
partial meltdown of the reactor core and the release of radioactive gases into the atmosphere.
Although the health effects were not serious, the accident heightened public fears and led to
the immediate shutdown of several plants. In addition, a moratorium on the licensing of all new
reactors was temporarily imposed, significantly slowing the industry for several years.
4. React on how they managed the situation (people, area, machines) after the accident.
Were efforts enough? Suggest some possible solutions to ease the effects of the
accident.
The officials issued an advisory to evacuate pregnant women and preschool children
within a five-mile radius of Three Mile Island. To monitor the possible long term effects of
the release of radiation, the Pennsylvania Department of Health followed the health of the 30,
000 people who lived within five miles of Three Mile Island. It was discontinued after 18 years
when no evidence of unusual health effects was shown.
The officials' action to issue an advisory to evacuate pregnant women and children was
decisive and effective since this prevented adverse health effects and even death. The halting
of construction of new power plants was also a good decision for the NRC to provide time for
them to develop and expand broader and more vigorous regulations and inspections in order to
avoid accidents such as this.