Nuclear Reactor Hazards

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Based on my research, a nuclear reactor is a device in which nuclear chain reactions are initiated, controlled and sustained at a steady rate. It produces and controls the release of energy from splitting the atoms of certain elements. In a nuclear power reactor, the energy released by the continuous fission of the atoms of the fuel is used as heat to generate steam for the production of electricity. While a nuclear reactor can be a big help in generating electricity, its operation presents great hazards. I only know that nuclear power plants routinely release small quantities of radioactive gases and contaminants into the environment. More radioactive gases are released at the processing plant when the reactor fuel is chemically reprocessed. Aside from this, do you know othe nuclear reactor hazards? How can dangerous nuclear power plant accidents be minimized?