Nuclear Disasters and Comparative Evaluation of TMI Chernobyl and Fukushima Through Root Cause Analysis and Radiation Impact Assessment

Abstract

Nuclear disasters are among the most devastating man-made events, causing significant harm to the environment, public health, and infrastructure. This study presents a comparative evaluation of three major nuclear power plant accidents Three Mile Island in the United States, Chernobyl in Ukraine, and Fukushima Daiichi in Japan to investigate their root causes and long-term consequences. A systematic root cause analysis was conducted using the Fishbone diagram method to identify key failures in design, operation, and emergency response. Radiation release data and health impact assessments were analyzed to understand the severity of each disaster. The results highlight recurring issues such as poor risk communication, inadequate training, outdated reactor designs, and lack of effective contingency planning. Radiation exposure levels, deposition densities, and biological effects are compared to assess the scale of impact across the three incidents. Based on these insights, comprehensive recommendations are proposed to enhance nuclear plant safety systems, strengthen disaster preparedness, and establish effective regulatory oversight. This study aims to support policymakers, engineers, and safety professionals in preventing future nuclear disasters through improved safety culture and proactive risk management.