Nuclear Power?

            A few environmentalists and civilians believe that nuclear weapons are a hazard to human beings and harmful to the environment. Radioactive waste remains active and dangerous for over 50,000 years. Many civilians believe the high possibility of a deadly leak of radioactive waste in urban cities. Such an event would result in a full evacuation of that city and possibly the cities adjacent to it. In addition, people living, especially working near nuclear power plants or test sites have been subject to a higher risk of cancer than people working somewhere else. A background check on patients diagnosed with cancer showed that about one-third of them worked or lived near nuclear plants or nuclear test sites. In addition to cancer, citizens residing within a twenty-mile diameter of the nuclear source also had a slightly shorter lifespan than others and suffered various ailments rarely found in other regions. Furthermore, nuclear radiations, which are harmful particles and rays, have been suspected of having a negative impact on the environment. Wildlife researchers and preservers have noted abnormal changes in plants and trees growing near nuclear power plants. The radiation was believed to have mutated the plants’ reproduction system and destroy photosynthesizing cells located on the plants’ leaves. These plants are incapable of reproducing and of making there own food, which usually results in death. Nuclear radiation is extremely lethal and produces an undesirable effect on living organisms, which in term means possible risk to human beings.

            Little do civilians or environmentalists know about techniques exercised in harnessing nuclear power.  Although it is true that nuclear waste has an extended half-life, it can not only be safely contained, but neutralized in due time. Nuclear wastes are first sealed in stainless steel, leak-proof, and corrosive-proof containers. Then the containers are carefully isolated and stored in underground bunkers carved into the limestone 500 feet below ground zero. Finally, a new technique, which deactivates radioactivity, is used on the waste, one barrel at a time. The product is harmless steam, which is released into the air. Although this method is expensive and slow, it neutralizes dangerous radioactive waste. People living near nuclear power plants often complain of various ailments, including cancer. Studies have shown that uranium miners have occasional cases of cancer. On the other hand, nuclear medicine has also been known to cure cancer and several other conditions. This reason is still valid, since it is still built onto the main topic: nuclear radiation and atomic energy. Wildlife biologists may have reported a gradual decay in plants, but this is only a minor problem. However, should environmentalists consider this a catastrophic crisis or a major threat to the ecosystem, the problem can be easily resolved. A whole nuclear power plant can be inexpensively moved to a desert location, reactor and all. A very likely possibility within this century would be construction of an entire nuclear power plant on a rig, or an elevated platform in the ocean. Here, a reactor incident would be harmless, since water blocks radiation. There is absolutely no excuse for using America’s knowledge of nuclear power to benefit its citizens.

            Nuclear energy is an excellent way to resolve many problems occurring simultaneously in the U.S. at this moment. The first and probably most significant reason is to handle foreign relations with hostile countries. Having possession of a nuclear weapon would greatly discourage other countries from starting a war with the U.S. The bomb is only intended to be put in actual use as a final alternative, or last resort, in the case of a war getting out of hand. Nuclear energy will also benefit Americans in a way. The U.S., especially California, is undergoing an energy crisis. We, as citizens of the U.S., will get constant electricity for a cheaper price. Nuclear power has also been altered to be put into medicinal use. Nuclear medicine has made it possible to illuminate internal organs during X rays, which eliminates the need for guesswork during surgery. Medical scientists have also incorporated nuclear medicine as part of their research in treating cancer. Nuclear energy will revolutionize America’s industry in almost every sector, from medicine to warfare, and therefore we should maximize nuclear production to the fullest extent.

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