Nuclear wastes are by-products of nuclear weapons production and nuclear power generation, plus residuals of radioactive materials used by industry, medicine, agriculture, and academia. Their distinctive nature and potential hazard make nuclear wastes not only the most dangerous waste ever created by mankind, but also one of the most controversial and regulated with respect to disposal. Nuclear waste issues, related to uncertainties in geologic disposal and long-term protection, combined with potential misuse by terrorist groups, have created uneasiness and fear in the general puiblic and remain stumbling blocks for further development of a nuclear industry in a world that may soon be facing a global energy crisis.
Revised: December 6, 2006 |
Published: January 12, 2005
Citation
Gee G.W., P.D. Meyer, and A.L. Ward. 2005.Nuclear Waste Disposal. In Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment, edited by Daniel Hillel. 56 - 64. Oxford:Elsevier Ltd.PNNL-SA-42117.