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Find out what it is and how it can do serious harm to health and the environment

Radioactive (or nuclear) pollution is considered by many experts in the field as the most dangerous type of pollution. It comes from radiation, which is a chemical effect derived from energy waves (whether heat, light or other forms). Radiation exists naturally in the environment, however, due to human actions, it has been released in excess, causing mutations in several species of living beings (in humans, for example, it can lead to cancer). There are still no effective ways to decontaminate an area affected by radioactive pollution - when the site is contaminated, it is usually isolated. In addition, radioactive atoms have a very long durability - plutonium, for example, has a half-life of around 24,300 years.

Since the discovery of nuclear fission (breaking the nucleus of an unstable atom, releasing heat), in 1938, several studies have been carried out in the science of radioactivity, generating technologies for its use. Some of them, present in our society, are:

use in medicine

Carrying out exams, such as radiographs (with x-rays), radiotherapy and sterilization of medical materials.

Food production and agriculture

Food preservation and elimination of insects and bacteria.

nuclear power generation

Generation of electrical energy from nuclear reactions in atomic nuclei.

military use

Production of nuclear bombs.

Radioactive Pollution Leaks

Even with positive applications, the danger of this technology is worrying, since there are no solutions for radioactive pollution. All its uses must be extremely controlled so as not to cause damage. In cases of accidents, such as the one at the Chernobyl plant in Ukraine in 1986, the damage is immeasurable. In this accident, after a reactor suffered a steam explosion, a nuclear melt occurred, causing the contamination of the area from the release of a lethal amount of radioactive material, which contaminated a large area of ​​the atmospheric region. It was estimated that the release of this radioactive pollution was about 400 times greater than that from the bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This accident caused enormous damage, estimated at US$ 18 billion, in addition to generating contamination of the population and the soil, with the consequent abandonment of the region. More recently, the Fukushima accident, in Japan, contaminated the region and caused several damages, which will certainly be felt in the future.

Types of radiation

Human or animal contamination by radioactive pollution can occur internally or externally. The internal occurs when radioactive material enters the body, so that radioactive atoms are incorporated into it - this occurs from the ingestion of food containing radioactive substances, by inhalation or via cuts. External contamination occurs from exposure to a radiation source that is in the environment. Let's go to them:

cosmic radiation

Radiation from space, such as that produced by the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, emitted by the sun, passes through our atmosphere and, with the degradation of the ozone layer, can cause skin cancer in many individuals, for example.

X ray

They are produced artificially from a beam of electrons in a metal (usually tungsten), which releases energy in the form of X-rays. This type of radiation has a great potential for penetration. The use of X-rays has been of great importance for medicine in making diagnoses. They are absorbed by bone as they easily pass through tissue. In uncontrolled intensity, it can cause serious damage, such as cancer.

Gamma radiation (γ)

It's an electromagnetic wave (just like light) emitted from an unstable core and usually releasing beta particles at the same time. It is highly penetrating and can cause serious damage to internal organs (without inhalation or ingestion).

Alpha radiation (α)

It is a particle formed by a positively charged helium atom. Its range in air is small (1-2 cm), however, its inhalation or digestion can damage tissues and internal organs.

Beta radiation (β)

It is an electron (negative charge) emitted by an unstable nucleus. These particles are smaller than alpha particles and can penetrate deeper into materials or fabrics. They can be dangerous if ingested or inhaled and cause skin burns on high exposure.

Neutron radiation (n)

It occurs when a neutron is emitted by an unstable nucleus - this type of radiation is mainly generated in reactions in the nuclear reactor. Neutron radiation is very penetrating and releases both beta and gamma particles at the same time.

Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy is generated from the fission of the nucleus of the enriched uranium atom. The reactor uses uranium as fuel, and the heat is generated by nuclear fission in which neutrons collide with the nucleus, which splits it in half, releasing a large amount of heat. Carbon dioxide or water is pumped into the reactor, generating steam from the heated water, which powers turbines and generates energy.

Currently, the United States leads the production of nuclear energy. Several countries in Europe use this energy source, such as France, which has 59 plants (responsible for around 80% of the country's electricity).

In Brazil, the implementation of the Brazilian Nuclear Program began at the end of the 1960s. The country has the Almirante Álvaro Alberto nuclear power plant, located in the municipality of Angra dos Reis (RJ), consisting of three units (Angra 1, Angra 2 and Angra 3), and the Angra 3 unit is not yet in operation.

Despite the controversy surrounding this technology and the fear of the population, nuclear energy has positive aspects, such as the fact that there are large reserves of raw materials available, providing less environmental impact (at first, if the waste is stored correctly and not catastrophes), and not contribute significantly to the imbalance of the greenhouse effect. The negative aspects are the high cost of this technology, the risk of its use in the construction of nuclear weapons, the possibility of accidents and the disposal of radioactive waste, which must be done in an extremely safe manner so as not to generate pollution.

Sources of radioactive pollution

natural sources

• Radioactive minerals present in nature (present in soil, lithosphere and mines);
• Cosmic ray radiation;

Anthropogenic sources (caused by man)

• Medical applications: radiation, such as X-rays and gamma rays, used in medical treatments and examinations;
• Nuclear Testing: Nuclear test explosions, especially when they are carried out in the atmosphere are the biggest cause of radioactive pollution. These tests are responsible for increasing radiation levels in the world. During a nuclear test, large numbers of radionuclides are released into the atmosphere. This radioactive dust is suspended in the air at a height of 6 km to 7 km above the earth's surface and is then dispersed by the wind over long distances. These radionuclides mix with rainwater, which ends up in our soil and water and can contaminate food;
• Nuclear reactors: radiation can escape from nuclear reactors and other nuclear facilities;
• Nuclear Accidents: Accidents at nuclear facilities can release alarming amounts of radioactive pollution, causing immeasurable damage;

Exposure to any type of ionizing radiation (alpha and beta particles, X-rays and gamma rays) in an uncontrolled way can cause serious damage and even be lethal. There is genetic damage, which causes changes in genes and chromosomes, leading to deformations and mutations; or non-genetic (damage to the body), which cause burns, tumors, organ cancer, leukemia, and fertility problems. The damage caused by radioactive pollution will depend on the exposure time, the radiation intensity, the type of radiation (penetration power) and whether the radiation is emitted externally or internally with respect to the affected body.

Prevention, control and security

Several safety and prevention measures are adopted in order to reduce the negative effects of radioactive pollution and to prevent accidents like the one in Chernobyl. There are several international standards and regulatory bodies with the responsibility to ensure the safety of the operation of nuclear reactors for power generation. The correct training of professionals working at the plant, site security, containment of radioactive material and emergency procedures are essential in each installation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy and discourages its military use, acting together with the UN.

The disposal of atomic waste is another fundamental issue for the use of this energy source. Its final disposal must be in facilities for long-term or permanent storage, due to the long time required for the radioactive material to become harmless.