Nuclear Radiation Summary
From Thermal-FluidsPedia
Nuclear radiation has found many uses and, depending on its application, can be either the deadliest enemy known to mankind or a source of hope in diagnosing and treating many formerly incurable diseases. If operated safely, nuclear reactors generate electricity with practically none of the adverse environmental consequences of fossil power plants. The waste, however, could have tremendous environmental impact for many thousands of years. The obvious solution is not to keep radioactive waste for such long times, but to find solutions to rid us of these wastes within the next few decades. In the meantime, natural radioactive decay has cooled the waste, making it easier to handle.
References
(1) Toossi Reza, "Energy and the Environment:Sources, technologies, and impacts", Verve Publishers, 2005