Radioactive pollution: causes, consequences and solutions

Radioactive pollution is called the contamination that occurs in the air, water, soil and other materials due to radioactive substances. Are radioactive substances They can be:

• Natural origin: Radioactive elements are produced in the environment.
• Artificial origin: They have the ability to emit radioactivity, that is, to emit protons, gamma rays and electrons from their nuclei.

Deepening a little more, radioactivity is a physical phenomenon that is based on the capacity of the nuclei of some chemical elements of produce radiation. Among its main characteristics, they are able to ionize gases, produce fluorescence (ability to reflect light), print on radiographic plates or cross opaque bodies.

As for radiation of natural origin, or background radiation, are those in which cosmic rays are involved, Radiation from the exterior space of great energy, and that includes elements such as radio, uranium, thorium, radon, potassium or carbon.

On the other hand, artificial radiation refers to those that occur artificially for the activity of mansuch as the processes of extraction and refinement of the plutonium or the thorium and which we will talk about later, as they are one of the main causes of radioactive contamination.

The causes of radioactive pollution, in general, refer to artificial radiation. In the case of natural radiation, the gases and particles that are produced by the materials that emit radioactivity are transported through the wind and fall with the rain to the ground by a phenomenon called nuclear precipitation.

The main causes of radioactive pollution By artificial radiation they are the use of these radioactive materials and the exposure of waste released without their correct storage, although causes such as:

• Military essays With radioactive materials performed outdoors in which the gases that occur will stop at the atmosphere, where they are retained. On the other hand, solid remains are likely to end in water masses, where they produce the alteration of these. Although sometimes impoverished uranium is used due to its lower radioactivity, it is still a potential source of pollution.
• Usual medical practices that generate radioactive waste through nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Some of these waste include laboratory material, instruments that have been exposed to these radiation, wastewater …
• Industrial activities For the production of nuclear energy, such as the manufacture of nuclear fuels or the use of potential nuclear reactors that take advantage of the thermal energy generated through the fission process. Obviously it is a very important cause of this type of pollution because in nuclear plants a large number of radioactive substances to the atmosphere are issued, although these emissions are limited by law. On the other hand, these emissions are not only a problem, but also causes people to be more exposed to radioisotopes that are generated naturally in these industries, such as, for example, in radon or uranium mining.
• Nuclear waste discharge in the environment. For example, through the cooling of nuclear reactors with water, which after being used is returned to the sea or the river with its corresponding pollution.
• Human accidents during radioisotope production, As it happened in Chernobil, with the leakage of Strontium-90 that affects calcium and the bones, or the earthquake and tsunami of Japan 2011. In these accidents the radioactive elements spread through the sea, the soil and the atmosphere.

Although the energy derived from radioactivity has its positive characteristics, the consequences derived from the pollution it produces are highly dangerous, and that is that radioactive pollution is possibly possibly Source of more dangerous pollution of all.

Radioactive pollution can occur in any way, material, or daily elements, as well as in people and, obviously, in the environment. Direct contact with these particles can cause various effects depending on the level exposure:

• In mild or moderate exhibitions to radioactive particles, serious health conditions can be caused such as cancer, genetic problems or hair drops.
• In high -level exhibitions, the consequence can become death.

Deepening a little more about the effects that this type of pollution can have:

Effects on the organism.

These effects vary depending on the organism and, as we said, the level of radiation, as well as the affected tissues and organs. In any case, it is certain that radioactive particles progressively destroy the cells of the human body, getting to damage your DNA. All this leads to:

• Genetic defects.
• Cancer. Thyroid cancer is very frequent because this gland absorbs radioactive iodine particles. In addition, other common cancers are bone cancer and brain tumors.
• Bone marrow problems. This is often affected, the person can present anemia and leukemia.
• Infertility and malformations in the fetus, as well as problems in the offspring associated with growth and learning, being able to present small brains and skulls.
• Weakened immune system, which increases risk due to bacterial infections and other pathologies.
• Gastrointestinal alterations.
• Mental health problems, such as emotional and psychological anguish against emergencies that involve radiation hazards.
• In prolonged or high -level exhibitions, it can cause death.

Effects on the environment

Although nature emits radioactivity naturally, the earth’s crust retains emissions so that they do not extend and produce damage. The problem comes when these particles produced in nuclear plants exceed the walls and reach the atmosphere, water, or soil, being highly susceptible to expanding and contaminating the surroundings quickly.

For the prevention and control of radioactive pollution, the main measure that is taken before radioactive waste is its insulation and Storage in specialized containersbecause radioactivity is reduced over time. Depending on the type of residue, more or less isolated time will be.

In addition to the previous measure, a Proper elimination of this waste radioactive. One of the suggested forms is to store this waste and bury them under the sea, since it has been suggested that the movement of waves to this depth helps to disable this waste more quickly.

Other measures more focused on Preventive scope of this type of pollution would be:

• Find other energy sources to reduce the number of nuclear energy plants and the associated risks that entail.
• Keep nuclear centrals at a minimum radius of 300 kilometers from urban centers.
• Use the minimum possible amount of radioactive material.
• Although it can be ambitious, it is obvious that one of the crucial measures is to get rid of nuclear weapons to eliminate the risks they entail.
• Clearly warn the population and workers who are in contact with these sources of pollution on the effects they can produce. These radioactive materials can contaminate the skin or clothes and through it expand and contaminate what is in its path. In addition, employees of these nuclear plants must be informed of the serious consequences that a human error can produce in this environment.
• Educate the population close to radioactive danger zones to prevent possible accidents.
• Maintain environmental and personal surveillance, to ensure protection.

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