Where Do We Store Trash and Radioactive Substances?

04/30/2023

Trash, radioactive wastes, and nuclear waste are all components of our lives; however, have you ever wondered where we store these substances?

Image photographed by Earth Buddies at https://earthbuddies.net/radioactive-waste-nuclear-plants/

Radioactive and Nuclear Materials

As the world evolves, more and more materials and new substances are being used. More specifically, even today, chemists and scientists are still finding new elements to add to the periodic table of elements. Uranium, radium, polonium, and thorium are the most radioactive elements due to their nucleus being unstable. This is not only damaging to the environment but also the life span of humans. The byproduct, radioactive wastes contain Gamma radiation which is very detrimental to human DNA structure. Moreover, radiation can also cause the possibility in one to have cancer. Thus, the byproduct of nuclear use is the facilitator, contaminator, and catalyst of contamination in humans, the environment as well as animals. Between 1968 and 2013, the amount of stored nuclear reactors has nearly increased four folds! Since radioactive wastes are derived from nuclear use, the core issue is the US' exponential use of nuclear power as shown by the graph below.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form GC-859, Nuclear Fuel Data Surve

Okay, and?

While nuclear disposables do have some benefits such as the ability to be renewed as energy, it is still devastating to the environment. According to the NEI (Nuclear Energy Institution), some foreign countries like France exact all the beneficial substances and encase the byproduct in glass logs. This process can be seen anywhere. When humans want to dispose of material, our intuition is just throwing it away or locking it somewhere we do not see it, which is the epitome of environmental contamination. One huge historical incident was the destruction of Chernobyl. The main cause of the radioactive extermination was the flawed design of the reactor. It killed around thirty workers and more important expelled five percent of its radioactive wastes into the environment. Furthermore, it initiated around 5,000 people to have Thyroid cancers. According to Travellers Worldwide, it is safe to enter Chornobyl, but one can only stay there for a set amount of time; if not, one may be exposed to radiation even if the incident happened around thirty years ago.

What can we do?

The aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster serves as a grave reminder of the potential devastation that can arise from nuclear accidents. Unfortunately, it is not a matter of if but when another incident similar to this one will occur. Hence, it is crucial that we take heed of this warning and strive to do better and greater. We need to make improvements in safety measures, design protocols, and environmental protections to ensure the safety of humans, wildlife populations, and the overall environment. It is imperative that we educate ourselves on the dangers of radioactive waste and environmental corruption. The best way to see environmental destruction first person is through documentaries. One documentary that stands out in providing factual information and causes and effects is Peter Galison's Containment graphic novel essay. Reading this documentation can change our perspective on environmental protection, prompting us to take necessary steps toward safeguarding our planet for future generations. Let us remember that our actions affect not only ourselves but also the collective well-being of our society. By taking just ten minutes to read educational material and spreading awareness, we can contribute to creating a safer and greener environment for ourselves and generations to come.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention @ https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/emergencies/contamination.htm#

Earthbuddies @ https://earthbuddies.net/radioactive-waste-nuclear-plants/

NEI @ https://www.nei.org/fundamentals/nuclear

Hello, little bees! Welcome back to the Swarming Bees.

I hope this post pushes the envelope on how many ways the environment is being harmed.

Please stay safe ya'll, see you at the next one!