What+could+the+consequences+be+of+a+nuclear+meltdown

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__ Destruction of the Environment: __ When a nuclear meltdown occurs, radioactive materials are released into the atmosphere. These radioactive materials are very harmful towards the environment. It can pollute the water, contaminate soil nearby and disrupt wildlife. Scientists report that 5% of the radioactive material released during the Chernobyl accident was carried to Belarus, Russia which is over 245 km from Chernobyl. Surrounding habitats and food sources of wildlife were impacted from this disaster. []

Health: Teratogenic Mutations Teratogenic mutations results from the exposure of a fetus which is still in the mothers womb to radiation. This can result in the child having a smaller head or brain, poorly formed eyes, slow growth, and mental retardation. The fetus is most sensitive between eight to fiftheen weeks. The relationship between the dose of radiation and mental retardation is not known for certain, but it's estimated that 4 in the 1000 fetuses that were between eighteen and fiftheen weeks old would become mentally retarded when exposed to one rem. Genetic Effects Genetic effects are those that can be passed from generation to generation. Physicist estimated that fifthy herediatry effects would occur out of one million children whose parents were both exposed to one rem, 120 severe heridatry effects would occur in all of the descendants. Cancer If 10 000 people are exposed to one rem of iozing radiation in small doses spread out over a life time they would except 5 or 6 more people would die of cancer than normally.

__Health Problems:__ There are a lot of different mental health issues and physical aliments that result from direct contact with a nuclear reactor meltdown. According to the UN Chernobyl Forum, 134 emergency workers died from radiation syndrome due to exposure to high levels of radiation after the accident. Other health issues that can occur from a nuclear reactor meltdown includes; thyroid cancer, leukemia, heart disease and other forms of cancer. The mental and emotional effects from a reactor meltdown are violence. The stress from fearing health effects from radiation can lead to depression, emotional trauma, anxiety and unexplained physical illnesses.

[|The Consequences of a Nuclear Reactor Meltdown | eHow.com] []

__Economic Declines__ Chernobyl's economic effects was big. Just on Belarus alone, it had cost about $235 billion. The cleanup and the loss from agriculture and local enterprises in the affected area cost more than millions of dollars. The cleanups and recovery efforts can severely drain a region of resources and funds. Individuals who had to relocate after the meltdown also experience a temporary loss of income and financial hardships. These individuals who had to relocate found it hard to find jobs and relocate themselves in the society, so they are more vulnerable to poverty.

 [|The Consequences of a Nuclear Reactor Meltdown | eHow.com] []