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The Effects of Radioactive Waste on People

Radiation is ubiquitous in the environment. It occurs naturally in space and the Earth's crust, as well as from medical equipment such as X-rays. Most radioactive waste, however, is generated industrially from nuclear reactors. In the U.S., there are more than 70 nuclear power sites in 31 states. There is great speculation about the effects of radioactive waste on people, particularly in the long term. Human intake occurs via water, air and the food chain, although mainly in low doses.

  1. Radioactive Waste

    • Of the 650 million tons of waste generated annually, only 84,000 tons are radioactive. Radioactive waste is defined as material containing radiation-emitting isotopes, including uranium, plutonium and radium. These are called radionuclides. Waste classification depends on the amount of radionuclides, the duration of radioactivity --- or half-life --- and the type of radiation emitted. Long-lived waste contains radionuclides with half-lives of more than 30 years. Radiation is categorized as ionizing, which has sufficient energy to cause atomic changes, or non-ionizing, which does not.

    Radionuclides in the Body

    • Radionuclides enter the human body via the lungs and digestive system, with some more easily absorbed than others. Radionuclides either circulate throughout the body (like chlorine), or concentrate in a target organ (such as iodine in the liver). Once inside, radionuclides emit radiation until their eventual decay or excretion. The health effects that occur depend on the level of exposure, the length of half-life and the type of radiation emitted by the radionuclide.

    Health Effects

    • Under normal conditions, the body repairs radiation-damaged tissue, but long-term exposure impairs this ability. Radionuclides emitting ionizing radiation can change the atomic structure of cells and promote uncontrolled cell growth, leading to various types of cancer. Short-term exposure to high level radiation poses even greater carcinogenic risks. Immediate effects of high-level exposure may include fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and even death. Radiation exposure is also linked to birth defects, decreased immunity and genetic diseases.

    Safeguarding Against Radioactive Waste

    • Protection against the effects of radioactive waste is achieved by limiting exposure time to and distance from radioactive sources. People exposed to occupational radiation are instructed to wear protective clothing and work in well-ventilated facilities. It is also recommended to have multiple barriers between personnel and radiation sources. Radioactive waste should be stored in specialized material that limits environmental exposure.

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