EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -A major environmental concern related to nuclear power is the creation of radioactive wastes such as uranium mill tailings, spent (used) reactor fuel, and other radioactive wastes. These materials can remain radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are four categories of byproduct material: Radioactive material that results from the fissioning, or splitting apart, of enriched uranium or plutonium in nuclear reactors. Examples include cobalt-60, cesium-137 and iridium-192. Tailings or waste produced by processing uranium or thorium from ore.

Detailed explanation-3: -Radioactive waste is typically classified as either low-level (LLW), intermediate-level (ILW), or high-level (HLW), dependent, primarily, on its level of radioactivity.

Detailed explanation-4: -Nuclear wastes are the by-products of producing nuclear power and weapons. Some nuclear wastes can remain radioactive for thousands of years and be a danger to people and the environment. Radioactive materials are materials contaminated by residue from the generation of nuclear energy and weapons.