Three Mile Island-2 more than 20 years later
On March 28, 1979, an accident occurred at the Three Mile Island-2 Nuclear Power Plant. Since the accident, studies and reports have provided the nuclear industry with knowledge to improve all aspects of nuclear power operations and enhance safety. During the more than 20 years since the accident, radiological studies have been conducted by government agencies and private groups. The results indicate that the estimated average dose was 1 millirem to about 2 million people living in the area. This is compared to 6 millirem for a full set of chest x-rays.
After the accident, TMI-2 was decommissioned. Today, there are 103 nuclear power plants in the United States that generate more than 20 percent of the nation's electricity.
For more information about TMI-2, radiation, and nuclear energy, the following resources are useful.
Twenty years ago in Pennsylvania, American Nuclear Society, NUCLEAR NEWS magazine, March 1999.
Radiation, Around us all the time. Compute your own radiation dose from the environment and manmade sources.
Nuclear Science & Technology: Crucial to Sustainable Development. Describes how nuclear science and technology contributes to humanity.
Nuclear Power: A Sustainable Source of Energy. Discusses how nuclear power is a long-term energy source and protects the environment.
Other Web Sites:
University of Pittsburgh
www.upmc.edu/newsbureau/gsph/three%5Fmile%5Fisland.htm (TMI-2 radiological study)
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
www.nrc.gov/OPA/gmo/tip/fstmi2.html (TMI-2 report)
Nuclear Energy Institute
www.nei.org
Two articles regarding Three Mile Island are located on NEI's Resources page.
