Some researchers had argued that radiation released when the nuclear reactor exploded in 1986 would not cause thyroid cancer. (newscientist.com)
The utilities» decision to curtail new renewable energy projects stems from Japan's efforts to reform its electrical generation and delivery system following the March 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear radiation release at the Fukushima Daiichi power complex, generally considered the worst nuclear accident since 1986's Chernobyl accident in Ukraine. (scientificamerican.com)
In the event of an increased core temperature or a power failure, the hot liquid salt melts a plug at the bottom of the reactor and drains into passively cooled containment vessels, limiting the risk of radiation release into the environment. (discovermagazine.com)