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Dangerous Effects of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is a readily available power source that has a minimal effect on global warming and is capable of producing high amounts of energy for various needs. These factors have made the use of nuclear energy a topic of discussion in political arenas and beyond in recent years. But the news concerning nuclear power is not always good. In addition to its advantages, nuclear energy has the potential for danger as well. Weighing the potential benefits with these dangers is important in deciding whether this type of energy is the best option for the future.

  1. Plutonium

    • Plutonium is a waste product that results from nuclear fission required to produce nuclear energy. This substance is highly volatile and is a key ingredient in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons. According to the Waging Peace website, there was enough plutonium produced by nuclear facilities in the year 2000 alone — around 310 tons — to make 34,000 nuclear bombs. This material obviously has to stay under close supervision to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The International Atomic Energy Agency is responsible for monitoring facilities to help keep track of this substance and others, but the amount of the material being produced means they may not be able to track all of it.

    Accident Potential

    • Nuclear accidents at energy facilities are thankfully rare, but they are known to happen. More nuclear plants will mean more potential for accidents. In 1986, Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union experienced a meltdown that resulted in immediate deaths and sickness caused by radiation leaks. In the ensuing years thousands of cancer deaths were blamed on the accident, according to the Waging Peace website. More recently, an earthquake in Japan in 2011 caused damage to nuclear facilities that could have serious effects on that country and the region.

    Environmental Damage

    • Many of the materials used in nuclear energy production can be hazardous. The radioactive isotopes produced from mining uranium and its enrichment and refinement can contaminate the soil and the groundwater in the area. Plutonium-239, a potentially lethal byproduct of nuclear energy production has a half-life of 24,000 years, meaning it could remain hazardous for 10 times that duration.

    Waste Storage and Disposal

    • When waste is produced at a nuclear facility it must be carefully stored permanently to prevent environmental damage. The waste is cooled in pools of water and must remain on-site under current guidelines. This is a somewhat effective method of disposal, but trouble could arise if the plants are decommissioned. Storage of nuclear waste materials in the future is a politically charged debate that remains unsettled.

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