How nuclear energy affects the environment and the human being

Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus of an atom, the smallest particles in which we can divide a material. In the nucleus of an atom we find two different particles, protons and neutrons, which are kept together by nuclear energy.

Nuclear technology is what we can Transform that nuclear energy into other forms of energy. For example, nuclear power plants are sites that allow us to transform nuclear energy into electricity.

But how can we get that energy present in the nucleus of atoms? Well, the reality is that There are two ways To do so:

• Nuclear fission: The partition of the nucleus of the atom.
• Nuclear fusion: The fusion of the nucleus of two different atoms.

An example is the energy that produces the sun and that reaches us in the form of heat and light, that energy is the result of the fusion of two different atoms. However, with the technology we have, it is very difficult to reproduce those reactions in nuclear power plants, therefore, today what is done in the plants is nuclear fission.

The fact is that when any of these two reactions occurs, both fusion and fission, atoms lose some mass and when it is lost That mass becomes heat energythat is, in heat. But today we are not yet able to perform a nuclear fusion in the centrals, so all They use the fission process.

To do this, the vast majority of nuclear reactors use uranium as fuel, but not any uranium, but enriched. The enriched process is done so that it becomes more unstable, which makes it easier for its nucleus to divide. The fact that uranium reserves are limited and that this is the main fuel of the plants makes nuclear energy a renewable energy.

It is no accident that there are so many people who oppose nuclear energy or that numerous environmental groups manifest against worldwide. Then we explain how nuclear energy affects the environment:

CO2 emissions

When talking about the effects of nuclear energy in the environment, its defenders usually argue that unlike other types of energy generating plants, nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide, one of the main causes of the greenhouse effect. The reality is that its CO2 emissions compared to a thermal power plant are much smaller, however, its manufacturing process does emit carbon dioxide, especially when extracting uranium and taking it to the plants.

Water use

Nuclear power plants need enormous amounts of water that serve as cooling to prevent dangerous temperatures from reaching. This water is taken from rivers or sea, causing many times, together with water, marine animals. Once the water has been used to cool, that is returned to its environment, but with a higher temperature. This can cause changes in marine temperature that end the plants and animals that inhabit those waters.

Possible accidents

The reality is that the accidents that have been in nuclear power plants are few, however, each of it is a real catastrophe of enormous magnitudes, both human and ecological. The clearest example of one of these accidents is the one that occurred in Chernobil in 1986, which shook a whole generation, and closer in time that of the Japanese Central of Fukushima in 2011. As we have said, the possibilities that there is an accident of this type are low, however, due to its catastrophic consequences, all risk that is not 0 is too much. Even more when there are factors that escape our control, such as the tsunami that caused the Fukushima accident or the possibility of being the objective of a terrorist attack.

When there is an accident of this type in a nuclear power plant, the radiation levels that are released are mortal for any plant, animal or person that is exposed. Depending on the level of intensity of this radiation, the effects are mortal in the short, medium or long term, for example, causing malformations or tumors.

When we talk about catastrophic consequences it is not an exaggeration, the magnitude of these accidents is such that until many decades later a global balance cannot be made. In addition, it not only affects the nearest area, but the radioactive clouds can move thousands of kilometers through the air or water.

Nuclear waste

But the main problem of nuclear energy, beyond the possible accidents – which are very minority – is in the waste it generates, residues inherent to this type of production. Nuclear waste can pass thousands of years before they begin to stop being radioactive, assuming a latent danger for the flora and fauna of the planet. Today, they are locked in nuclear cemeteries, sealing them and isolating us underground or at the bottom of the sea. The problem is that it is a short -term solution that is not definitive, since the period of radioactivity of these waste is longer than the life of their “protective boxes.”

When there is a nuclear accident, the controlled radiation of the plant goes abroad, affecting the flora, fauna and, obviously, the human being. Radiation, unlike other pollution, cannot smell or see, however, damages health and remains for decades ⁽¹⁾.

In the nucleus of nuclear reactors we can find More than 60 radioactive substances. These have a lot of resemblance to biological elements of our body, which is why they accumulate and cause devastating effects. Some of these elements have very short life cycles, however, there are others that can remain for a long time.

Of the more than 60 pollutants we have said, those that affect humans more are 3: Strontium 90, Cesium and iodine. Depending on what tissue they affect, its consequences will be one or the other, however, what is clear is that when they enter our body they destroy the cells and damage the DNA. Thus, the answer to the question of How the nuclear energy affects human being is this:

• Cause genetic defects.
• It causes cancer, especially thyroid, since this gland absorbs iodine, although it also causes brain tumors and bone cancer.
• Problems in the bone marrow, which in turn causes leukemia or anemia.
• Fetal malformations.
• Infertility
• The immune system weakens, which causes more risk of infections.
• Gastrointestinal problems.
• Mental problems, especially anxiety against radiation.
• In high or prolonged concentrations it causes death.

If you want to read more articles similar to How nuclear energy affects the environment and the human beingwe recommend that you enter our category of non -renewable energy.