What is radioactive pollution?

The radioactive pollution is defined as the physical pollution of living organisms and their environment as a result of release of radioactive substances into the environment during nuclear explosions and testing of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapon production and decommissioning, mining of radioactive ores, handling and …

What causes radioactive pollution?

Radioactive contamination occurs when radioactive material is deposited on or in an object or a person. Radioactive materials released into the environment can cause air, water, surfaces, soil, plants, buildings, people, or animals to become contaminated.

What are radioactive pollutants examples?

Mining for nuclear fuel, nuclear waste, nuclear power plant mishaps (sometimes caused by the hapless Homer Simpson), and nuclear weapons are all possible sources of radioactive pollution. Improperly handled material used in nuclear medicine is also another possible radioactive pollutant.

What is radioactive pollution and its types?

Alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, and protons are particulate radiation. Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays are the most commonly encountered forms of radioactive pollution. Gamma radiation is high-energy electromagnetic radiation. Scientists have devised various units for measuring radioactivity.

Why is radioactive pollution most harmful?

Radioactive pollution affects our environment. The radioactive wastes can not be destroyed and hence they remain in our environment for a longer period of time. Even disposal of radioactive wastes may cause pollution and damage the environment.

How does radioactive pollution affect us?

Exposure to very high levels of radiation, such as being close to an atomic blast, can cause acute health effects such as skin burns and acute radiation syndrome (“radiation sickness”). It can also result in long-term health effects such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What is effect of radiation pollution?

Why is radioactive waste a problem?

Activities that produce or use radioactive material can generate radioactive waste. Radioactive waste is hazardous because it emits radioactive particles, which if not properly managed can be a risk to human health and the environment.

How does radioactive pollution affect humans?