Nuclear Power Plant’s Effects on Environment

Nuclear Power Plants are machines that heat water to produce steam, then the heated water warms the steam turbine to make electricity. They seem to be helpful but there are many downsides to them. The Nuclear Power plants have many effects such as younger and older age group’s health, pollution from nuclear waste and radioactive waves, and cancer-causing chemicals. A lot of solutions include turning off electricity when it is not needed, getting solar panels, and overall going greener

Nuclear Power Plants affect people’s health because of their radioactive waves and harmful chemicals that have been known to cause cancer. There has been many research done proving the statement that people who live closer to nuclear power plants have a much higher risk of getting cancer. More children have been diagnosed with cancer at a young age because they are exposed to it early. The nuclear power plants release certain types of harmful chemical isotopes that produce electricity but can also cause health issues such as cancer. One article states; “Children and adolescents are more sensitive to the cancer-causing effects of ionizing radiation than adults because their bodies are still growing and developing(Accidents at Nuclear Power Plants and Cancer Risk 21-2).” This quote backs up the evidence that children are being affected negatively and their brain is being permanently damaged. Both younger and older age groups are more prone to sickness because their bodies cannot take high doses of ionizing radiation. Their brain cells cannot handle too much radiation at once so over time the cells become damaged.

Nuclear Power Plants affect the environment because of their harmful pollution that they release. Many toxins and waste from the energy used to make electricity ends up in our air and in our waters. The steam pollutes the air and the radioactive waves cause wildlife harm as well. They produce radioactive waste that can stay in our environment for years and affect the quality of our Earth. One quote shows; “A 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 ( Power Plants: Your Environment, Your Health National Library of Medicine 41-2).” This information gives examples of just some of the many things that are being put out into our environment. One of the most concerning findings is that radioactive waves can be classified as either high level waste or low level waste and nuclear power plants are mostly classified as high level waste. This means that all over the world we have high level waste machines constantly running and releasing more pollution by the minute.

Lastly, nuclear power plants affect people’s daily activities because there harmful waves our everywhere around us. The water we drink is one of the most contaminated items in our lives. We don’t always realize that the water and air are polluted by chemicals and waves. One article shows; “If your well water contains chemical levels above EPA’s drinking water advisory levels, consider using bottled water for drinking and cooking(Power Plants: Your Environment, Your Health National Library of Medicine 5-6).” This is shown that many towns and cities are affected by the nuclear power plants. It now becomes more costly because people are having to buy water instead of having the town water. Nuclear power plants also cause stem and chemicals to go into the air. We breathe in the toxins in our everyday lives not realizing that harmful chemicals are entering our bodies and causing serious health issues.

Another quote states; “Mercury pollutes lakes, streams, and rivers, and builds up in fish. People who eat large amounts of fish from contaminated lakes and rivers are at the greatest risk of exposure to mercury(Power Plants: Your Environment, Your Health National Library of Medicine 2-3).” This is showing that we are constantly surrounded by threats from nuclear power plants. It infects the food we eat because sea life is poisoned from the mercury that leaks from the machines. People who eat a lot of seafood then become at high risk for mercury poisoning and other alarming health issues. Almost 80% of greenhouse gasses can be drawn back to nuclear power plants. The carbon levels can be so high that it is one of the causes of global warming.

Overall, nuclear power plants are dangerous for many reasons mainly including health. All aspects of these machines point to the conclusion that they cause deadly health issues such as cancer. Not just humans are being affected, but they wildlife is too. Fish and sea animals are being poisoned by toxic chemicals and waste given off by machines we have made. It’s not only affecting sea life but also our air quality and animals on the ground. Whether it’s underwater or on land, you cannot escape the effect nuclear power plants have on our world. Human’s are the main cause of these problems because we are the ones who created the machines to make our lives easier but in the process we have hurt ourselves. The main solution is to use renewable energy so we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Another solution to less pollution, especially in our oceans, is to take precautions if there are big oil spills from the machines and to make sure we fully clean up the mess. Some believe that we should take the waste and burry deep underground in special disposal treatments. If the waste were to be put underground in minerals such as granite or clay then it could be untouched for thousands of years. Even though there may be some possible solutions, there is nothing we can do about the effects that have already been caused by the machines.