PLANT SHUT DOWN

Zaporizhzhia, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe and one of the largest in the world, has been shut down as the war between Russia and Ukraine continues. Russian forces have repeatedly attacked Zaporizhzhia, causing experts to shut it down because of safety concerns. A nuclear plant must be kept cool, so it doesn’t overheat. It also produces toxic waste which must be handled and stored with great care.

But the greatest danger of nuclear power is radiation. If something is radioactive it gives off radiation – energy travelling in waves. High levels of radiation can cause sickness or even death. The attacks have damaged the plant and so most of its reactors have been shut down to avoid a catastrophic accident.