radioactive waste have become extremely acute problem of our time.If at the dawn of the nuclear power industry, few people thought about the need to store the waste material, now this task has become extremely urgent.So why are all so worried?
Radioactivity
This phenomenon was discovered in connection with the study of the relation of the luminescence and X-rays.At the end of the XIX century in a series of experiments with uranium compounds, the French physicist Becquerel discovered previously unknown type of radiation that passes through opaque objects.He shared his discovery with the Curies, who finished his studies in earnest.It is world-famous Marie and Pierre discovered that the properties of natural radioactivity have all compounds of uranium, as he is pure and thorium, polonium and radium.Their contribution has been truly invaluable.
Only later it became known that all chemical elements, starting with the bismuth, in one form or another radioactive.Scientists are thinking about how to use the process of nuclear fission to generate energy, and were able to initiate and reproduce it artificially.And to measure the level of radiation was invented radiation dosimeter.
Application
addition to energy activity has been widely used in other fields: medicine, industry, research and agriculture.With this feature learned to stop the spread of cancer cells, to put a more accurate diagnosis, to know the age of archaeological treasures, to follow the transformation of substances in various processes, and so on. D. The list of possible applications of radioactivity is constantly growing, so even surprising that the question of disposal of waste materials becameso acute only in the last decade.But it is not just garbage that can easily be thrown in the dustbin.
Radioactive waste
All materials have their service life.This is no exception for the elements used in the nuclear industry.The output is a waste still have radiation, but have no practical value.As a rule, separately consider using nuclear fuel that can be recycled or applied to other areas.In this case it is just about radioactive waste (RW), further use of which is not provided, so you need to get rid of them.
Sources and forms
Due to the variety of uses of radioactive materials and waste may have different origins and status.They come in either solid or liquid or gaseous.The sources may be very different, too, because one way or another such waste often associated with the extraction and processing of mineral resources, including oil and gas, there are also categories such as medical and industrial waste.There are also natural sources.Conventionally, these radioactive wastes are classified into low-, medium- and high-level.In the United States also highlight a category of transuranic radioactive waste.
options
For a long time it was thought that the disposal of radioactive waste does not require any special rules, it was enough just to scatter them in the environment.However, it was later found that isotopes tend to accumulate in certain systems, for example, animal tissues.This discovery changed the opinion about the waste, since in this case the probability of moving and getting into the human body with food is high enough.It was therefore decided to develop some options on how to deal with this type of waste, especially high-level categories.
Modern technologies allow to maximally neutralize the danger posed by waste, by treating them in different ways or premises safe for human space.
- Vitrification.In another way, this technology is called vitrification.This waste pass through several stages of processing, which resulted in getting enough inertial mass are placed in special containers.Then these are sent to the storage tank.
- Sinrok.This is another method for neutralizing waste, developed in Australia.In this case, the reaction uses a special complex compound.
- burial.At this stage, being the search for suitable locations in the earth's crust, where it would be possible to put radioactive waste.The most promising project, according to which the waste material is returned to the uranium mines.
- Transmutation.Already developed reactors that can convert highly radioactive waste into less harmful substances.At the same time they are capable of neutralization of waste to produce energy, so that this technology is very promising direction are considered.
- Removal of outer space.Despite the attractiveness of this idea, it has many disadvantages.First, this method is quite expensive.Secondly, there is a risk of failure of the launch vehicle, which can be a disaster.Finally, the proliferation of space debris such waste over time can lead to big problems.
Disposal and storage
In Russia, management of radioactive waste is regulated mainly by federal law and the commentary thereto, as well as some related documents, such as the Water Code.According to the Law all waste must be disposed of in the most isolated areas, with the exception water pollution, sending into space is also prohibited.
For each category there is a limit, moreover, clearly defined criteria for classifying the waste to a particular form and all the necessary procedures.However, Russia has a lot of problems in this area.First, the disposal of radioactive waste can very soon become a non-trivial task, because the country is not so much a specially equipped vault, and pretty soon they will be filled.Secondly, there is no single process control system utilization, which seriously complicates the control.
International projects
Given the fact that the storage of radioactive waste has become the most important after the cessation of the arms race, many countries prefer to cooperate in this matter.Unfortunately, the consensus in this area not yet been achieved, but the discussion of the various programs in the United Nations continues.The most promising seem to be projects to build a large international radioactive waste storage at the sparsely populated areas, as a rule, we are talking about Russia or Australia.However, the citizens of the latter are actively protesting against the initiative.
consequences of exposure
Almost immediately after the discovery of radioactivity, it became clear that it adversely affects the health and life of humans and other living organisms.Studies that the Curies were for several decades, eventually led to severe radiation sickness Mary, even though she lived to be 66 years old.
This disease is the main consequence of the effects of radiation on humans.The manifestation of the disease and its severity depends mainly on the total radiation dose received.They can be fairly easy, and cause genetic changes and mutations, thus affecting the next generation.One of the first to suffer from the function of blood, often the patient has some form of cancer.In most case, the treatment is not effective enough and is only in aseptic mode and eliminate the symptoms.
Prevention
prevent a condition associated with exposure to radiation is quite easy - just do not get in the zone, with its high background.Unfortunately, this is not always possible, as many modern technologies involve the active elements in one form or another.In addition, not all carry a portable radiation monitor to know that they were in the area, in which prolonged exposure can cause harm.Nevertheless, there are certain measures of prevention and protection against hazardous radiation, although not too much.
Firstly, it is shielding.Faced with this almost all who came to the x-ray part of the body.When it comes to the cervical spine or skull, the doctor suggests to wear a special apron that is sewn into the lead elements, which does not transmit radiation.Secondly, to maintain the body's resistance may be taking vitamins C, B6 and R. Finally, there are special preparations - radioprotective.In many cases, they are very effective.
