Nuclear power greener/A Critique of Environmental Radioactive Impact Associated to Uranium Production

(Review Paper) Cited in

Points Made
Improper uranium mining can and has caused excessive radiation in the atmosphere. Milling tailings remain radioactive for extended periods of time, whether they are covered or not. This is harmful to the environment. Contamination has been reported in soil, dirt, surface streams & groundwater.

Methods
The main three procedure types (underground mining, open pit extractions, and leaching procedures) all originate certain amounts of waste. These procedures have led to an overflow of soil and rock with uranium present, leading to an increased environmental hazard. This has led to an increased awareness for both the public and the workers present to protect their health. By using case studies, researchers were able to show the levels of contamination in geographical areas exposed to uranium mining. To obtain data, Environmental radioactivity monitoring and surveillance were used in areas that were around uranium mining and the milling industry.

Results
Areas impacted by uranium mining and the milling industry generally showed that the dose limit of uranium for the public had been exceeded. With the expected demand of Uranium mining to increase over the next decade, it is critical to establish and enforce more stringent radiation exposure laws to ensure the health and safety of life and the environment. In order to keep workers, the public, as well as the overall environment safe, there must be open pit mining controls to minimize the amount of radiation released causing damage and raising health risks for the future.


 * While the article in question did not completely negate the use of uranium mining, it has been shown to be an extremely costly process. In addition, the article states that if environmental cleanup and other precautions were taken into effect, this process could be less harmful for the environment..