Environmental impact of nuclear materials as radiation source

The present investigation considers the major aspects of the production, use, storage, handling or transport and the environmental impact of nuclear materials being considered as nuclear fuel and radiation sources. Nowadays nuclear power offers a significant contribution to the world's need for energy, the production of steam and desalinated water and many other applications. The national regulatory systems for nuclear and radiation safety are implemented in order to control nuclear materials in all aspects. The study can show that nuclear energy is almost free of gases causing environmental problems such as climate change or acid rain. Also, nuclear energy, being characterized by high energy densities in the processes, would utilize low quantities of nuclear materials and consequently wastes. The occupational risks are related mainly to accidents in mining and power production while public risks are relatively small.