Science Fact Finder | Energy - Where Did The Expression "China Syndrome" Originate?

Where did the expression "China Syndrome" originate?

The expression "China Syndrome" was first coined during a discussion of the potential consequences of a nuclear reactor (any device used for controlling the release of nuclear power so that it can be used for constructive purposes) meltdown. (A meltdown is when the fuel core of a nuclear reactor melts and releases dangerous amounts of radiation.) One scientist commented that the molten reactor core could bore a hole straight through the Earth to China (assuming the reactor was in the United States). This worst-case scenario was thus nicknamed the "China Syndrome."

Although the scientist was grossly exaggerating, some people took him seriously. In fact, a molten core would bore a hole only about 30 feet (10 meters) into the Earth. This, however, would still have grave consequences for the surrounding area.

Source: Blair, Ian. Taming...

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