Officials: Radiation detected at Three Mile Island nuclear plant in Pa., public not at risk

Radiation detected at Three Mile Island; public OK

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — A small amount of radiation has been detected in a reactor building at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in central Pennsylvania. Officials say there is no public health risk.

About 150 employees were sent home after the radiation was detected Saturday afternoon.

Exelon Nuclear spokeswoman Beth Archer says investigators are searching for the cause. She says the radiation was quickly contained.

Radiological surveys showed the contamination was confined to surfaces inside the building.

The unit has been shut down for refueling and maintenance since Oct. 26. The company hopes to resume maintenance work Sunday.

Officials are testing workers for possible unusual radiation exposure.

A partial meltdown occurred in Three Mile Island’s Unit 2 reactor in March 1979.