Radioactive waste is those materials or waste products that are not planned any type of use, and that contain or are contaminated with radionuces in concentrations that exceed the established levels. Radioactive waste can be classified in different ways, either depending on their origin, radioactivity or properties. It is important to keep in mind that these waste is not well managed are a danger to the human being, the rest of living beings and the environment, so a protocol must be followed for their management.
If you want to know more about What are radioactive waste, their classification and managementDo not stop reading this interesting ecology article in which we will explain it to you in detail.
What are radioactive waste
Radioactive waste, also known as radioactive waste or nuclear waste, are materials containing radioactive or radioactive substances. These materials are the result of anthropic activities that involve the generation or manipulation of nuclear substances, such as nuclear energy production in nuclear plants, nuclear weapons, nuclear research and nuclear medicine.
Radioactive waste can take various waysincluding solids, liquids or gases, and its radioactivity level can vary From bass to extremely high, depending on its origin and composition. The radioactivity of this waste comes from the unstable nuclei of the atoms that emit subatomic particles and/or electromagnetic radiation in the form of alpha, beta or gamma rays.
You may be interested in this article on hazardous waste: classification, examples and handling.
Radioactive waste classification
Radioactive waste is classified into several categories according to its level of radioactivity, its origin and its properties. The classifications may vary according to the regulations and regulations in force in each country. Below is a general classification.
Very low activity residues (mbar)
- These waste contains low levels of radioactivity and are usually generated in medical, research activities and in some industrial applications.
- May include Contaminated clothes, gloves, glass, paper and other low radioactivity waste materials.
- In general, they can be managed as conventional waste, although sometimes additional precautions are required.
Low and medium activity residues (LBMA)
- These waste has more significant levels of radioactivity and can be generated in the nuclear industry, nuclear medicine and the dismantling of nuclear facilities.
- Include materials such as components worn from nuclear plants, radioactive filtersand some materials used in medical applications.
- They usually require more careful management and are often stored in facilities specifically designed for it.
High activity waste (HAA)
- These waste is highly radioactive and mainly come from spent nuclear fuels and high radioactivity waste generated in the operation of nuclear plants.
- They require a Extremely safe handling and are stored in specially designed containers and deep underground locations, such as deep geological deposits.
Transosuranic waste (Tru)
- These waste contains heavier chemical elements than uranium, such as plutonium.
- Are generated mainly in the Production and dismantling of nuclear weaponsS, as well as in the operation of nuclear plants.
- They are stored in special containers and can be sent to final disposal facilities of traffic waste.
High radioactivity and short life waste (SLLW)
- These waste is highly radioactive, but they have a short useful life in terms of radioactivity.
- Some examples are Chemicals used in nuclear medicine.
- They are usually stored for a limited time before elimination.
Research and Development Waste (R&D)
- These waste can vary in radioactivity and nature, and come from Nuclear research activities and development of new nuclear technologies.
- They are managed according to their radioactivity level and specific properties.
Radioactive waste management
Radioactive waste management is a necessary process that involves a series of steps designed to guarantee the safety of people and the environment. These are the steps, in general, to follow for good radioactive waste management:
- Radioactive waste generation: Radioactive waste is generated in various activities, such as nuclear energy, nuclear medicine, nuclear research, industry and dismantling nuclear facilities.
- Classification: Radioactive waste is classified according to their radioactivity level and their specific properties, as mentioned above in the radioactive waste classification.
- Temporary storage: They are usually temporarily stored in facilities designed to keep them insulated and protected. This may include sealed containers and safe storage areas in nuclear facilities.
- Safe transport: When necessary, radioactive waste is transported from their generation place to storage or elimination facilities, using containers and vehicles specifically designed for this purpose. Strict transport regulations are followed to guarantee security.
- Final elimination: It is a highly controlled and regulated process. One of the options that exist is the deep geological deposit, which implies placing waste in deep geological formations, such as salt or rock deposits, where they are expected to be isolated from the surface for thousands of years. In some cases, low and medium activity residues can be processed and conditioned before final elimination to reduce its radiological volume and risk.
- Monitoring and monitoring: After the final elimination, a long -term monitoring system is implemented to evaluate the safety and environmental impact of deep geological deposits or any other elimination method. This guarantees that there are no radioactive leaks and that safety standards are met over time.
- Regulation and supervision: Radioactive waste management is subject to government regulations and supervision in most countries. The regulatory agencies ensure that security regulations are met and public health and the environment are protected.
- Education and public awareness: Open and transparent communication with the public is essential to gain their trust and understanding about the management of radioactive waste. This includes education on the risks and security measures involved.
Radioactive waste management is a highly technical and regulated process that requires a multidisciplinary approach and the cooperation of various interested parties, including governments, the nuclear industry and the scientific community. The main objective is to guarantee long -term safety and minimize the risks associated with radiation.
Now that you know what radioactive waste is and you know the classification and management of these, we invite you to read this article about radioactive contamination: causes, consequences and solutions.
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