Radioactive waste management and disposal

Radioactive Waste

Over the last several years, the issue of how to store and dispose of radioactive waste has been increasingly brought to the forefront. Part of the reason for this, is because of the hazards to human life are well beyond acceptable levels for many decades after the material has been used. This is problematic because, it is highlighting a common challenge that many countries are facing in disposing of radioactive waste. To fully understand the challenges that these nations are dealing with requires examining the different types of nuclear waste. Once this occurs, it will provide specific insights about the overall problems faced with: the disposal and storage of this material. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

Summarize all of the Sources of Radioactive Waste

There are a number of different categories that are used in the classification of radioactive waste. Listed below are the various classes.

High Level -- This kind of waste is generated from the spent nuclear fuel rods in the generation of electricity. It is considered to be the most dangerous to humans. As, the removal of this material will require the use of: shields and remote control devices. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

Transuranic -- Transuranic waste is created from the production of various nuclear weapons. It is considered to be just as dangerous by: encompassing those materials with an atomic number greater than 92. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

By Product -- This kind of waste is created during the manufacture of various weapons systems. As, it contains materials that are used in the process to include: water and those resources that were exposed to radiation. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

Low Level -- Low level waste is considered to be those bi products from: power plants, research, academic and medical facilities that have low traces of radiation. In general, this type of rubbish has containments that have: a low after life or smaller concentrations of other materials. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material -- This kind of waste is considered to be those nuclear materials that are found naturally throughout nature. There is no influence on the levels of radiation from the activities of humans. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)

Reactor -- This is considered to be high level waste that was exposed to the nuclear fuel rods. That is used during the production of electricity. In general, the removal of this kind of waste involves: using specials remote control tools and devices to prevent exposure to high levels of radiation. (Rechard, 1999, pp. 737 -- 807) (Helton, 1993, pp. 327 -- 367)