Nuclear Meltdown

A nuclear meltdown occurs when the core of a nuclear reactor overheats, usually because its cooling system fails. This causes the radioactive materials inside the reactor to become excessively hot, potentially melting the metal and fuel rods. If unchecked, the melted materials can breach containment structures, releasing radiation into the environment. Meltdowns are serious safety incidents but are rare due to multiple safety systems and protocols designed to prevent them. They primarily risk environmental contamination and health hazards if radioactive materials escape, emphasizing the importance of stringent safety measures in nuclear power plants.