A steam explosion can occur when something very hot comes into sudden contact with water, causing rapid steam production.
The heated material may include:
(1) molten metal
(2) lava
(3) nuclear reactor
(4) any very hot surface
Risks:
(1) The water is quickly turned into steam with a rapid expansion in volume compared to liquid water, which can cause an explosion if poorly contained.
(2) The material heating the water can be caught up in the explosive and carried along.
(3) Any housing or solid material may become shrapnel or a missile.
(4) Water hammer if contained in a pipe.
Hazards to humans:
(1) burns from steam and heat source
(2) blast injury
(3) penetrating injury
(4) radiation exposure (if radioactive)
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