Radioactive Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Solutions
                     RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION: 
CAUSES, EFFECTS, AND 
SOLUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
Radioactive pollution occurs when there is a 
presence or depositions of radioactive 
materials in the atmosphere or environment, 
especially where their presence is accidental 
and when it presents an environmental 
threat due to radioactive decay. 
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CAUSES OF RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION
NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS FROM 
NUCLEAR ENERGY 
GENERATION PLANTS
In the postmodern world, various forms of 
energy are being discovered. Among them is 
nuclear energy, which is touted to be the 
most potent source of energy due to its high 
latent power. Reports indicate that the high 
latent power is due to its high level of 
radiation.
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THE USE OF NUCLEAR 
WEAPONS AS WEAPONS OF 
MASS DESTRUCTION
The use of nuclear missiles and atomic 
bombs, a form of nuclear energy, in the 
Second World War explains not only the 
cause but also the damaging nature of 
radioactive pollution or contamination.
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USE OF RADIOISOTOPES
Radioisotopes are used to make detectors 
and in other industrial activities. Isotopes 
such as uranium have high concentrations 
of radiation in them. On the other hand, 
common Isotopes such as carbon-containing 
radioactive material are easily found in 
waterways through sewage lines.
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MINING
Mining mostly involves the excavation of the 
mineral ores, which are then broken into 
smaller, manageable pieces. Radium and 
Uranium, for instance, are naturally 
occurring in the environment and are 
equally radioactive.
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SPILLAGE OF 
RADIOACTIVE CHEMICALS
There have been instances of spillages over 
oceans when ships hit glaciers or coral reefs 
and end up releasing chemicals on 
waterways and in the atmosphere. 
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EFFECTS OF RADIOACTIVE 
POLLUTION
GENETIC MUTATIONS
Radiation has adverse effects when it comes 
to genetics. It leads to damage to DNA 
strands leading to the genetic break up over 
time. The degree of genetic mutation 
leading to changes in DNA composition 
varies due to the level of radiation one has 
been exposed to and the kind of exposure.
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DISEASES
Cancer is the most dominant radiation-
related disease. It has developed over the 
years and poses a great risk in global health. 
Others include leukemia, anemia, 
hemorrhage, a reduction in the life span 
leading to premature aging and premature 
deaths as well as others such as 
cardiovascular complications.
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SOLUTIONS TO 
RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION
PROPER METHOD OF 
DISPOSING OF RADIOACTIVE 
WASTE
Radioactive waste still has some level of 
radiation. Accordingly, it cannot be disposed 
of in the same way as normal waste. It 
cannot be incinerated or buried. Since there 
is a likelihood of seepage, this waste should 
be stored in heavy and thick concrete 
containers.
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PROPER LABELING
It is necessary for any material with 
radioactive content to be labeled, and the 
necessary precautions advised on the 
content of the label. The reason for this is 
because radiation can enter the body by a 
mere touch of radioactive material.
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