Nuclear Pollution and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes :
Radioactive uranium and plutonium are used in atomic reactors to obtain atomic energy by nuclear fission which in turn is used to generation electricity. The remnants of these nuclear reactors are called as nuclear waste. It is highly dangerous.
Atomic science is an important modem science which is used to make atomic bombs. Many countries like America, Germany, Russia, China, India, Pakistan etc. have power of atomic bombs. In 1945, America used atomic power in the two countries of Japan viz. – Hiroshima and Nagasaki and destroyed them. Our country has also become a atomic power country. Atomic energy can also be used in Medical field. Researches and Industries.
Atomic radiations released by atomic bombs and other radioactive substance cause radiation pollution which is highly lethal for human being, animals and plants. There is always a possibility of radiation pollution in atomic reactors.
Effect of Ionizing Radiation :
Alfa, beta and gamma radiations have detrimental effects on the tissues and they damage the cells. The radiation effects are both somatic and genetic.
Somatic effects of radiation includes – cataract in eyes, skin damage, detrimental effects on liver, spleen and thyroid and many types of cancer. The intensity of the damage depends upon the quantity of radiations.
Genetic effects cannot be seen in the same generation but they become visible in the next generation. The radiation damage the germ cells and cause chromosomal anomalies.
Radiations also effect vegetation’s and change their chromosomal composition Disposal of Nuclear Wastes
Nuclear waste disposal is a big problem, as it is highly hazardous and lethal. Following measures can help to minimize this problem –
- Atomic blasts should be prohibited and a collective efforts is required by all the countries with nuclear power. Proper system and management is required to prevent any accident in the atomic power plants.
- The leakage of the radio active material should be in permissible limit.
- The radioactive waste is disposed in such a way that no pollution is caused. It should be buried deep underground.
- The public should be removed immediately in case of any disaster emergency.
- There should be no residential area near by the Atomic reactors.
- There should be dense plantation around the atomic reactors.
