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onecloud's avatar

Because ionising radiation has enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, it has the ability to change the chemical composition of the material it interacts with. In living tissue this effect can result in a process that damages DNA and can result in the death or mutation (cancer) of the impacted cell.

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Al Christie's avatar

Yes, that's why it's so remarkable that our DNA has the ability to repair itself, and is successful in doing so, as long as the radiation exposure is not too high and is spread over a long enough period that the DNA has time to do the repairs. Also, it's great that nuclear waste is small, well contained, and greatly reduced when reused in the newer type reactors.

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onecloud's avatar

but nuclear waste is not small, or well contained. the waste from reactors is a growing problem that has outpaced re-ruse or the development of permanent storage.

also reactors are not the only or main source of waste. the mining, and fuel fabrication methods contribute more waste directly to the environment with no consideration for containment, and it accumulates greatly over time . the radiation from these sources is long lasting , (hundreds to thousands of years depending on the element.) and so it accumulates in the food chain. we all need to eat.

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Jul 21
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onecloud's avatar

have you ever heard of democracy? where the people have a say in what is decided. you know, 'public opinion'

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Al Christie's avatar

I've heard of democracy, sometimes called mob rule. However, the US is not exactly a democracy; we have representatives, not direct rule of all the people. And by the way, the regulations of the NRC are not even made by anyone we had a chance to vote for.

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onecloud's avatar

well . . . ok.

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Jul 21
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onecloud's avatar

why would you call citizens who vote terrorist?

are you saying terrorist set the social agenda in the USA?

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