nuclear power

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Proponents of nuclear energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that does not create air pollution, reduces carbon emissions and increases energy security by decreasing dependence on foreign oil. The operational safety record of nuclear plants in the Western world is far better when compared to the other major types of power plants. With the exception of Chernobyl, no radiation-related fatalities ever occurred at any commercial nuclear power plant. Optimists point out that the volume of radioactive waste is very small, and claim it can be stored safely deep underground. Future designs of reactors are promised to eliminate almost all waste.

Critics believe that nuclear power is a potentially dangerous energy source, with decreasing proportion of nuclear energy in production. They claim that radioactive waste cannot be stored safely for long periods of time, that there is a continuing possibility of radioactive contamination by accident or sabotage, and that exporting nuclear technology to other countries might lead to the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The recent slow rate of growth of installed nuclear capacity is said to indicate that nuclear reactors cannot be built fast enough to slow down climate change. Nuclear power plants are also criticized due to their centralized generation of electricity.

Arguments of economics and safety are used by both sides of the debate.

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Nuclear power plants use the heat generated from nuclear fission in a contained environment to convert water to steam, which powers generators to produce electricity. Nuclear power plants operate in most states in the country and produce about 20 percent of the nation’s power. Nearly 3 million Americans live within 10 miles of an operating nuclear power plant.

Although the construction and operation of these facilities are closely monitored and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), accidents are possible. An accident could result in dangerous levels of radiation that could affect the health and safety of the public living near the nuclear power plant.

Local and state governments, federal agencies, and the electric utilities have emergency response plans in the event of a nuclear power plant incident. The plans define two “emergency planning zones.” One zone covers an area within a 10-mile radius of the plant, where it is possible that people could be harmed by direct radiation exposure. The second zone covers a broader area, usually up to a 50-mile radius from the plant, where radioactive materials could contaminate water supplies, food crops, and livestock.

The potential danger from an accident at a nuclear power plant is exposure to radiation. This exposure could come from the release of radioactive material from the plant into the environment, usually characterized by a plume (cloud-like formation) of radioactive gases and particles. The major hazards to people in the vicinity of the plume are radiation exposure to the body from the cloud and particles deposited on the ground, inhalation of radioactive materials, and ingestion of radioactive materials.

Radioactive materials are composed of atoms that are unstable. An unstable atom gives off its excess energy until it becomes stable. The energy emitted is radiation. Each of us is exposed to radiation daily from natural sources, including the Sun and the Earth. Small traces of radiation are present in food and water. Radiation also is released from man-made sources such as X-ray machines, television sets, and microwave ovens. Radiation has a cumulative effect. The longer a person is exposed to radiation, the greater the effect. A high exposure to radiation can cause serious illness or death.

Although the risk of a chemical accident is slight, knowing how to handle these products and how to react during an emergency can reduce the risk of injury.