Although radiation testing does help develop better nuclear technology for energy needs, most people fear the effects of radiation and take a "NIMBY" (Not In My Backyard) stance. While it has been well established that radiation harms the environment, sometimes, the benefits of testing outweigh the danger of radiation effects. For instance, medical x-rays can help a doctor diagnose problems that save our lives.
Nuclear testing often causes negative side effects from the radiation pollution they emit.
Identification
Radiation occurs when an object gives off energy in the form of a wave. Two types of radiation exist: ionizing and non-ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation has much more energy than non-ionizing radiation and constitutes most of the dangerous radiation interaction with humans, such as x-rays and nuclear radiation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Non-ionizing radiation comes from microwaves and light.
Medical Testing
Although x-rays are safe according to the EPA, radiation effects from them can still build up in the body. A study on gamma radiation, such as that from an x-ray, done by the Chulabhorn Research Institute in Bangkok, Thailand showed that low-level doses of radiation can still induce cancer by damaging DNA strands and other genetic mutations.
Nuclear Tesing
The effects of nuclear testing receive much media attention, especially because nuclear weapons are designed for military purposes. The Friends of the Earth Organization, an anti-nuclear weapons group, claims that radiation testing contaminates the environment. Radiation from nuclear testing usually takes thousands of years before breaking down; in the mean time water and natural migration can often carry radiation outside of a testing range to contaminate new areas.
Political
Sometimes the effects of radiation from testing does not effect people directly, but causes political concerns and risks. The modern international community has a general agreement to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons, often by restricting testing. In 2009, North Korea caused world leaders such as President Barack Obama to feel that North Korean testing was more to threaten world peace, than for legitimate uses, reports Reuters.
Prevention/Solution
The amount of radiation that testing contributes to the environment is much less than most people believe, reports the Health Physics Society. Man-made radiation sources such as medical x-rays only account for around one-fourth of radiation pollution. Radon gas commonly found in homes emits the highest percentage of radiation pollution people are exposed to, at around 200 millirems per year, according to the Health Physics Society
Tags: radiation pollution, effects from, effects radiation, Health Physics, Health Physics Society, medical x-rays
