As noted in a previous article regarding the dangers of Nuclear fallout from Japan reaching the United States, clearly it is possible that with a large enough blast, which would push matter high enough to be picked up by the jet stream, these radioactive particles could reach our shores. But just how large is the threat we all must face together?
Most of us are familiar with the two worst nuclear accidents on record, which were the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, and a partial core meltdown that occurred in the US at the Three Mile Island reactor in Pennsylvania back in 1979. But what if we multiply the disaster scenario X3? Or even X4?
One important question on the lips of many here in the U.S. and worldwide, which still remains unanswered is "How many reactors are actually in danger of experiencing meltdown?" How large is the threat of Nuclear fallout in the U.S.?
Japan has over 50 nuclear plants, of these it is clear there is a minimum of seven of these nuclear facilities that are at risk, located directly within the disaster zone. Each of these individual plants have multiple reactors. Of these facilities, plus two others in Sendai, even if they are currently stable, they remain at risk for cooling failure, because of ongoing aftershocks.
We may not know the exact number of reactors in danger of meltdown, but we do know the danger has not abated. Experts have stated major concerns that of the reactors brought into question, some of which have been "shut down", there is still increasing heat in the core.
This is where "meltdown" will occur, this core. As we have heard the "core", the "rods" are inside a containment vessel. If the core melts through this reactor vessel though, as explained by Dr Bergeron in an article titled "Experts fear 'Chernobyl-like' crisis for Japan", "it could flow onto the floor of the containment building. If that happens, the structure will likely fail". This will make the initial first blast seen, that left skeletal remains of the building but an intact (as far as we know) core, pale in comparison. If this is the case then should we then be expecting blast after blast to follow soon? From How many plants? How many reactors?
While it is reassurring to note that ABC news, citing Peter Bradford, a former member of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) states that "The containment building at this plant is certainly stronger than that at Chernobyl" The article does go on to say that it is "a lot less strong than at Three Mile Island, so time will tell, but the ominous bottom line, according to Peter Bradford is "if the cooling attempts fail, "at that point it's a Chernobyl-like situation where you start dumping in sand and cement".
The threat of a dominoe affect is very real. As reported early yesterday my own research had shown there were a total of 3 reactores in imminent danger, although only one being reported. Today ABC news correspondent Neil Sysona released this headline "Nuke Meltdown Threat Amid 2nd Blast Warning" The story goes on to state that "a blast at a second nuclear reactor was imminent".
We can only wait and watch, as the story unfolds minute by minute, and send prayers to those brave souls locked in a movie script that is being written as they act.
Prayers for those risking their lives while trying to save others by achieving a safe shutdown of who knows how many of these deadly nuclear reactors .
From this link you can access all of the live radiation monitering facilities in the United States.
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