Radioactive Pollution

Published on 05 Apr 2025

The hazardous radiation level that radioactive materials release is referred to as "radioactive pollution." The release of hazardous ionizing radiation, such as beta or alpha particles, gamma rays, or neurons, into the environment where radioactive elements are present results in damage.

Sources for Radioactive Pollution

• Natural sources

• Exposure to Cosmic Radiation: The fast-moving particles like protons that make up cosmic radiation can originate from the sun and other astronomical objects, among other locations in space.

• Radiation through inhalation: Most fluctuations in natural radiation exposure are caused by inhalation of radioactive gasses produced by radioactive elements found in soil and bedrock.

• Terrestrial radiation: The Earth emits radiation into space on its own. Rocks and soil can contain naturally occurring radioactive elements.

• According to the BARC studies, Kerala has higher levels of radiation due to the presence of granite and basaltic volcanic rock that contain uranium deposits.

• Manmade sources:

• Nuclear Power Plants: Contamination of the environment can result from nuclear power plant leaks, accidental spills, or inappropriate disposal of radioactive waste.

• Example: High level of radiation has been detected from Fukushima nuclear plant

• Industrial and Medical Applications: Inappropriate handling, storage, or disposal of radioactive materials utilized in research, industry, or healthcare.

• Example: According to WHO, more than 15% of biomedical wastes are radioactive, toxic or infectious.

• Nuclear Waste handling and its disposal: The handling and disposal of nuclear waste can eventually result in the production of low to medium levels of radioactivity.

• Example: 54 million gallons of radioactive waste that it is holding in aging and leak-prone underground storage tanks in Hanford nuclear site, Washington

Impacts of Radioactive Pollution

• Long Term Environmental Damage: Long-term ecological harm caused by persistent radioactivity can influence ecosystem health and biodiversity.

• Example: A study on the crops in the Chernobyl region to test their level of radioactive contamination 25 years after the accident occurred revealed many plants contain highly dangerous strontium in them.

• Genetic Mutations: Ionizing radiation can lead to genetic mutation in animals and plants.

• Example: Genetic mutations have been found in three generations of butterflies from near Japan's crippled Fukushima nuclear plant.

• Health Risks: Ionizing radiation exposure increases the risk of cancer, genetic mutations, and other health concerns.

• Example: According to UNEP, Depleted uranium found in armour-piercing shells and tank armour can have serious aftereffects impacting brain development, behaviour and kidney function.

• Bioaccumulation: Radioactive isotopes can build up in living organisms, increasing their quantities in the food chain.

• Economic Consequences: Population displacement, financial losses, and long-term expenses associated with clean-up and remediation.

• Example: 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident resulted in evacuation of 160,000 people from the affected area.

Government initiatives and policy measures

• Atomic Energy Act, 1962: An Act to provide for the development, control and use of atomic energy for the welfare of the people of India and for other peaceful purposes and for matters connected therewith.

• Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): It is responsible for overseeing nuclear and radiation safety by creating rules, carrying out audits, and guarantees that nuclear plants adhere to safety requirements.

• NDMA Guidelines for Management of Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies: To develop plans, through a consultative approach involving all the stakeholders, that will lead to a society wherein the occurrence of nuclear and radiological emergencies is prevented.

International initiatives

• International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES): It is a tool for communicating the safety significance of nuclear and radiological events to the public.

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): It is a specialized agency responsible for promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and preventing the use of nuclear technologies for any purpose other than peaceful applications.

• Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS): It aims to commit Contracting Parties operating land-based civil nuclear power plants to maintain a high level of safety by establishing fundamental safety principles.

• Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT): It is intended to improve international capacity for prevention, detection, and response to nuclear terrorism, particularly the acquisition, transport, or use of nuclear and radiological materials.

Way Forward

• Emergency Operating Procedures: Structured procedures are developed for the nuclear plant’s management for managing accidents.

• Preparedness for Nuclear/Radiological Emergencies: The arrangements required to promptly classify an emergency, mitigate the emergency, notify and recommend protective actions off the site consistent with international guidelines.

• Proper Labelling: Any product that contains radioactive material needs to be labelled, and the label needs to provide information on the necessary safety measures.

• Continuous Monitoring: Rigorous monitoring methods were established to track changes in environmental conditions and ensure the success of remediation measures.

Tags:
Environment

Keywords:
Pollution Radioactive Atomic energy

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 3

Topics:
Environment and Climate Change