Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest forms of any energy source because it does not produce air pollution, isolates its waste from the environment and requires a relatively small amount of land. Nuclear energy stations do not produce air pollutants or greenhouse gases when they generate electricity. 

But, on the other hand, nuclear waste are potentially harmful for thousands of years. There are large volumes of radioactive waste being stored worldwide. The harm pertains to leaking of this waste or a terror attack. In both the cases it is immensely harmful to the mankind. Radiation is the main harm of nuclear waste. This results in health problems in mankind, plants and animals. Radiation spoils the air, water & soil alike. It take mammoth efforts to mitigate its effects in the long run.

As the usage of nuclear energy increases worldwide the handling of its waste becomes more critical. This is the flip side. After the nuclear fuel is used the residue is waste. This is Nuclear Waste. This waste is highly radioactive and that too for thousands of years.

There are three types of Nuclear Waste High Level, Intermediate Level & Low Level Nuclear Waste.

The High Level Nuclear Waste is the used Nuclear fuel. It contains the highest radioactive content [95%] but the volume is mere 3% of total waste. This waste is stored in water and within the reactor itself. Since the volume is small it has so far not created any storage issues. Though it is radioactive for thousands of years but after initial 40 years it is only about one thousandth as much radioactivity as when the reactor is switched off to unload the used fuel.

Intermediate Level Nuclear Waste comprises of Filters, Steel Components from the nuclear reactor and some effluents from reprocessing. Its radioactive content is about 4% & its volume is 7%. This waste is disposed of closer to the surface in the specially built store houses, alike normal landfills.

Low Level Nuclear Waste is Tools & Clothes etc. used in Nuclaer Power Plants. Its radioactive content is about 1% & its volume is 90%. This waste is also disposed of closer to the surface in the specially built store houses, alike normal landfills.

With the availability of technologies and the continued progress being made to develop publicly acceptable sites, it is logical that construction of new nuclear facilities can continue. Nuclear energy has distinct environmental advantages over fossil fuels. As well as containing and managing virtually all its wastes, nuclear power stations do not cause any pollution.

The fuel for nuclear power is virtually unlimited, considering both geological and technological aspects. There is plenty of uranium in the Earth's crust and furthermore, well-proven (but not yet fully economic) technology means that we can extract about 60 times as much energy from it as we do today.

The safety record of nuclear energy is better than for any major industrial technology. All these benefits should be taken into account when considering the construction of new facilities.

Therefore, in the current scenario and considering the safety precautions being undertaken, the Nuclear waste dose not account for any potential hazard or danger to the mankind.

Pics Courtesy: World Nuclear Association