Uranium mill tailings are covered with a sealing barrier of material such as clay to prevent radon from escaping into the atmosphere. Most uranium mill tailings are placed near the processing facility, or mill, where they come from. Uranium mill tailings contain the radioactive element radium, which decays to produce the radioactive gas radon. This storage system also reduces the radiation levels at disposal sites.īy volume, most of the waste related to the nuclear power industry has a relatively low level of radioactivity. Radioactive waste with a short half-life is often stored temporarily before disposal to reduce potential radiation doses to workers who handle and transport the waste. The amount of time it takes for the radioactivity of radioactive material to decrease to half its original level is called the radioactive half-life. The radioactivity of nuclear waste decreases over time through a process called radioactive decay. The radioactivity of these wastes can range from a little higher than natural background levels, such as for uranium mill tailings, to the much higher radioactivity of used (spent) reactor fuel and parts of nuclear reactors. Radioactive wastes are classified as low-level waste or high-level waste. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the operation of nuclear power plants. Radioactive wastes are subject to special regulations that govern their handling, transportation, storage, and disposal to protect human health and the environment. These materials can remain radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years. Nuclear energy produces radioactive wasteĪ major environmental concern related to nuclear power is the creation of radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, spent (used) reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes. If fossil fuels are used for mining and refining uranium ore, or if fossil fuels are used when constructing the nuclear power plant, then the emissions from burning those fuels could be associated with the electricity that nuclear power plants generate. Nuclear power plants also have large amounts of metal and concrete, which require large amounts of energy to manufacture. However, the processes for mining and refining uranium ore and making reactor fuel all require large amounts of energy. Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating. Nuclear power reactors do not produce direct carbon dioxide emissions Some nuclear power plants use water from lakes, rivers, or the ocean for cooling. Not all nuclear power plants have cooling towers. A containment structure is required to contain accidental releases of radiation. Nuclear reactors in the United States may have large concrete domes covering the reactor.
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