Kernongeval

Kernongeval is a Dutch term that translates to "nuclear accident" or "nuclear incident" in English. It refers to any unintended event that results in the release of radioactive material or significant radiation exposure from a nuclear facility, such as a power plant, research reactor, or processing facility.

These incidents can range in severity from minor leaks of radioactive substances to catastrophic events that pose significant risks to public health and the environment. The classification of a nuclear accident often depends on its impact, which is typically assessed using scales like the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES).

Common causes of kernongeval include equipment malfunctions, human error, natural disasters like earthquakes or tsunamis, and acts of sabotage. The consequences of a severe kernongeval can include widespread radioactive contamination, long-term health effects for exposed populations such as an increased risk of cancer, and the need for evacuation and exclusion zones around the affected area.

Notable examples of severe nuclear accidents include Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima Daiichi in 2011, both of which had profound and lasting global impacts. The prevention and mitigation of kernongeval are central to nuclear safety regulations and practices worldwide, involving rigorous design standards, operational procedures, and emergency preparedness plans.