Scientific Progress Scientific Responsibility: Nuclear Term Paper

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In fact:

In the months following the accident, although questions were raised about possible adverse effects from radiation on human, animal, and plant life in the TMI area, none could be directly correlated to the accident. Thousands of environmental samples of air, water, milk, vegetation, soil, and foodstuffs were collected by various groups monitoring the area. Very low levels of radionuclides could be attributed to releases from the accident. However, comprehensive investigations and assessments by several well-respected organizations have concluded that in spite of serious damage to the reactor, most of the radiation was contained and that the actual release had negligible effects on the physical health of individuals or the environment. (United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission).

While the Three Mile Island incident did not cause the same type of damage as Chernobyl and the destruction from Chernobyl was less than people initially believed it would be, it is clear that the use of nuclear power can have potentially disastrous consequences. However, the responsible use of nuclear power can have tremendous benefits as well. First, the fuel for nuclear power plants is relatively inexpensive, so that nuclear energy can be provided inexpensively for large groups of people. In addition, when compared to many other means of energy production, nuclear power is low on pollutants; it produces no air pollution.

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Furthermore, "the environmental impact of mining and transporting nuclear fuel is considerably less than for other fuels." (TXU Energy). Finally, nuclear plants do not emit dangerous amounts of radiation. In fact, when one compares the total amount of pollution from nuclear power plants and traditional hydrocarbon power plants, it quickly becomes apparent that nuclear power plants have contributed less pollution to the environment than fossil fuel plants.

Obviously, it is impossible to characterize nuclear technology as entirely benign. Not only has nuclear technology been used against people in wars, causing tremendous death and destruction, but its use to provide electric energy has also proven dangerous. However, these accidents have resulted from a breakdown in protocol, including operator irresponsibility. When used in a responsible and safe manner, nuclear power plants are relatively safe, and contribute less harm to the environment than other methods of electric energy production. Therefore, it is also unfair to characterize nuclear technology as something inherently malignant. Instead, like most scientific advances, the use of nuclear energy should be classified according to its use, rather than for any of its inherent characteristics.

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