World · 21 March 2026
From Chernobyl to Natanz: What Makes a Nuclear Leak So Catastrophic
Nuclear radiation leaks occur when unstable radioactive isotopes, which decay and emit harmful particles, escape containment. This decay is what nuclear reactors are designed to control. Control rods, typically made of boron, absorb neutrons to prevent uncontrolled chain reactions. A leak, as seen at Chernobyl, releases dangerous fission products into the environment. At facilities like Natanz, a leak could allow enriched uranium to escape, posing severe health and environmental risks.
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