Previous nuclear incidents and accidents: Three Mile Island

On 28 March 1979, there was an accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power station near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. There were no injuries or adverse health effects to the public from this accident. Although some radioactive gas was released a couple of days after the accident, it was not enough to cause any dose above regular background levels to local residents. However, conflicting information released during the event exacerbated the public's fears, highlighting the need for a consistent and coherent public information and emergency communication strategy.

The accident also highlighted the need for both national and international plans to handle a peacetime nuclear emergency.