Ecological problems in the development of nuclear power

The initial and middle stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, i.e., mining and reprocessing of ore, uranium enrichment, production of fuel elements, and the normal operation of a nuclear power plant, do not cause any serious danger to the environment. Comparisons show that the negative-effect coal-fired plant is much greater. The probability for accidents involving the emission of a large quantity of radionuclides in modern nuclear power plants equipped with tested safety systems is significantly lower than the accident probability in other areas of industry. This conclusion is valid, however, if safety requirements, starting with the nuclear power plant, are satisfied unscrupulously, if the strictest technological discipline, making sure that all the components have sufficient reliability, is followed, and if constant efforts are made to train personnel. It is as yet impossible to evaluate quantitatively the environmental effects of reprocessing plants