Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
The Case for
Nuclear Power
An ideal source of energy would be
low in cost and readily available. It
would be safe and would not harm the
environment. It would provide as much energy
as people need at any time of day and on any day
of the year. In addition, the energy source would continue to
be reliable in the future. No current power source can satisfy all
these requirements. Modern nuclear plants, however, make a
reasonably good attempt.
Environment and Safety Issues
Nuclear power plants do not produce the emissions that
come from burning fossil fuels. Thus, nuclear power does not
contribute to the climate change or some of the other problems
that have been associated with fossil fuels.
Uranium mining and related work can release polluting
substances. With modern methods, however, the amount of
pollutants released is small. Radioactivity is another concern
about mining. Uranium ore gives off radiation, but not very
much. Most of the uranium contained in the ore is U-238,
which is not very radioactive.
Workers in underground mines face an extra risk. Uranium
ore gives off a radioactive gas called radon. Radon is released
naturally from the ground in small amounts in many parts of
the world and typically disperses (scatters) in the air. In the
