The Dangers of Nuclear Power Plants

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Recommended: Is nuclear power beneficial or detrimental

Debates about the use of nuclear power plants in New York City have received much attention in the last few years. Many scientists believe that the use of Nuclear Power would be beneficial for New York City, since an abundant amount of electricity is necessary to fuel the Big Apple; however, one primary argument espoused by opponents is that the use of nuclear power will bring about negative effects like radiation exposure, debt and may allow the power plant to become a potential target for terrorist attacks. This paper describes selected constitutional issues related to the use of nuclear power plants with a focus on the risks it poses and concludes with implications for alternative sources of energy. II Safety risk is an issue discussed regarding nuclear power generation because there are many risks that involve the radioactive waste of nuclear power. Arguments against nuclear power include the catastrophe that occurred in Fukushima, Three Mile Island, and Chernobyl. In each of those places, a mishap occurred and radiation flooded the air. The atmosphere became contaminated with radioactive waste and those exposed to it endured the long-term consequences. “The explosion at Chernobyl’s nuclear plant in the Ukraine showed how nuclear energy could just as easily destroy us as it nurtures our everyday needs”(Smith 2011). Therefore, the damage done due to a possible meltdown of a nuclear reactor is a risk to large that should not be taken. “…it’s been estimated that nearly 5 million people of the former Soviet Union were affected by the spread of radiation, including 4,000 who developed thyroid cancer from drinking radioactive milk and other exposures”(Smith 2011). This statement explains one of the long term effects of bein... ... middle of paper ... ...ce of cancer. As a result, more radiation in the atmosphere will only harm the inhabitants. A nuclear power plant should not be built in New York City due to the many reasons stated. A nuclear power plant proves to be more harmful than beneficial as history, science, statistics and philosophy has proved. The radiation from a nuclear power plant, whether it is in high or low dosages are proved to have detrimental effects towards inhabitants. The process of getting the uranium to fuel the nuclear reactor is also deemed dangerous due to the ability of the workers to become sick because of the radon gas. Many nuclear reactors are being built around the world and it is important to know of the harmful effects it poses before it is built. People should be aware of the negative reasons for building a nuclear power plant in their area to possibly avoid a serious problem.

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