Delani Butzin
Pronouns: She/Her
Research Mentor(s): Lynn Carpenter
Research Mentor School/College/Department: EEB/MCDB / Other
Program: UROPF
Session: Session 4 (1:40pm – 2:30pm)
Authors: Lynn Carpenter, Delani Butzin
Abstract
Motivation: The motivation behind the Three Mile Island project is to bring awareness to the events and long-term effects of Three Mile Island nuclear disaster that took place on March 28, 1979. Methods: For decades now, researchers have studied and observed the area for months following the accident. They kept track of impacts on the environment and those who lived there. This information allowed them to quantify the long lasting health impacts that took place. Results: The results of this research showed a variety of things. First, researchers determined that the accident occurred due to improper training by the staff, poorly designed equipment that was difficult to handle and poorly constructed. The ultimate conclusion was that a large amount of radiation was released, and there were long-lasting health impacts on humans as well as farm animals and pets in the area. If guidelines were followed and more regulatory checks put in place, this disaster could have been prevented. Implications: There were many health effects and changes following the accident. Health studies revealed a 10% increase in cancer for those who were exposed to the accident. Other studies revealed little to no detectable difference in health due to the accident, suggesting further research is needed. The plant design, as well as equipment checks were upgraded. Workers were trained better by Metropolitan Edison, and more safety inspections were conducted by staff as well as the government to ensure another accident like this does not happen in the US.
