The reactor heated up and automatically shutdown. As problems progressed, systems failed and humans made poor decisions, disabling the emergency cooling system. A potentially explosive hydrogen bubble formed. Some radioactive material was released into the air, but less than half the average yearly dose. Severe sickness and disorientation occur immediately upon exposure.
Death occurs within hours.
Total body doses of over 100,000 rads Inactivates many substances needed for metabolism in cells. Cell death generally occurs during exposure. This can happen for high local doses, too. Successful tests have been performed simulating complete loss of cooling Byproducts of nuclear fission Fission products are often unstable and will undergo nuclear reactions Ex. Mill tailings Left behind when ore is refined and processed to create uranium fuel pellets.