Nuclear waste
Nuclear waste
Nuclear waste (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər weɪst/), also known as radioactive waste, is a type of hazardous waste that contains radioactive material. It is a by-product of nuclear power generation and other applications of nuclear fission or nuclear technology, such as research and medicine.
Etymology
The term "nuclear waste" is derived from the word "nuclear", which comes from the Latin nucleus, meaning "kernel" or "core", and the word "waste", which originates from the Old Northern French waste, meaning "wasted, wasted away".
Types of Nuclear Waste
Nuclear waste can be classified into three main types:
- Low-level waste (LLW): This includes items that have been contaminated with radioactive material or have become radioactive through exposure to neutron radiation.
- Intermediate-level waste (ILW): This contains higher amounts of radioactivity and often requires shielding.
- High-level waste (HLW): This is produced by nuclear reactors and contains fission products and transuranic elements generated in the reactor core. It is highly radioactive and often hot.
Disposal of Nuclear Waste
The disposal of nuclear waste is a complex process that involves several steps, including:
- Storage: Nuclear waste is initially stored in temporary facilities.
- Treatment: The waste is then treated to reduce its volume, make it safer for handling, and prepare it for disposal.
- Transportation: The treated waste is transported to a disposal facility.
- Disposal: The waste is disposed of in a facility designed to isolate it from the environment and humans for a long period of time.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear waste
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear waste
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