Nuclear chemistry is a topic dealing with nuclear power, weapons, and radioactivity. Many controversies arise through these topics, in which how they are used throughout the nation. There are many methods that are used across the nation to conserve energy, but one method that has been used effectively are nuclear power plants. Nuclear power plants are used to produce electricity, but many negative impacts follow this main goal.
“A nuclear power plant is a thermal power station where the heat source is a nuclear reactor in which heat is used to generate steam that produces electricity.” In order to produce the steam, heat has to be created, when uranium atoms spilt through the process of fission. The process of nuclear energy was founded by …show more content…
Although this is viewed as a resourceful way to conserve energy the uses of this tool possess many threats to both people and the environment, threatening health risks and environmental damage. Nuclear power plants affect these factors through the production of radioactive waste. The discharge of waste is from the result of malfunctions or international dumping. The production of nuclear waste can also impact animal and plant life. This waste can cause cancerous growths and genetic problems for many generations of plants and animals. Radioactive waste also has a huge impact on a person’s health status. The biggest problem of this production is that humans can be exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to long term problems such as cancer and even death by damaging body cells. Exposure to radiation could also result to radiation sickness. Radiation sickness is a result from being exposed to a large dose of radiation causing skin burns, nausea, and general weakness. This can also lead to birth defects and abnormalities. Nuclear power plants can also cause reactor accidents. Some major accidents that occurred around the world were in Chernobyl, Ukraine and Fukushima, Japan, which were caused by either a reactor shutdown or a flawed reactor design combined with human
“A nuclear power plant is a thermal power station where the heat source is a nuclear reactor in which heat is used to generate steam that produces electricity.” In order to produce the steam, heat has to be created, when uranium atoms spilt through the process of fission. The process of nuclear energy was founded by …show more content…
Although this is viewed as a resourceful way to conserve energy the uses of this tool possess many threats to both people and the environment, threatening health risks and environmental damage. Nuclear power plants affect these factors through the production of radioactive waste. The discharge of waste is from the result of malfunctions or international dumping. The production of nuclear waste can also impact animal and plant life. This waste can cause cancerous growths and genetic problems for many generations of plants and animals. Radioactive waste also has a huge impact on a person’s health status. The biggest problem of this production is that humans can be exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can lead to long term problems such as cancer and even death by damaging body cells. Exposure to radiation could also result to radiation sickness. Radiation sickness is a result from being exposed to a large dose of radiation causing skin burns, nausea, and general weakness. This can also lead to birth defects and abnormalities. Nuclear power plants can also cause reactor accidents. Some major accidents that occurred around the world were in Chernobyl, Ukraine and Fukushima, Japan, which were caused by either a reactor shutdown or a flawed reactor design combined with human