Nuclear energy is the only carbon-free solution.
However, the irrational fear of radiation and skyrocketing regulatory costs have stifled the deployment of new nuclear technology.
Radiation and the human body…
Radiation is energy that is emitted in the form of waves or particles. It can be found in many forms, including visible light, microwaves, X-rays, and gamma rays. Radiation can be natural, such as radiation from the sun or from radioactive elements in the earth's crust, or it can be man-made, such as radiation from nuclear power plants, medical procedures, or industrial sources.
Radiation can damage human cells and tissues in several ways, including:
Ionization: Radiation can ionize atoms and molecules in human cells, causing them to become charged and potentially damaging DNA and other cellular components.
Free radicals: Radiation can also generate free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cellular structures and lead to oxidative stress.
Direct damage: Radiation can directly damage cellular structures, such as cell membranes and organelles, which can disrupt cellular function and lead to cell death.
The extent of damage caused by radiation depends on several factors, including the type of radiation, the dose and duration of exposure, and the sensitivity of the tissues or organs involved. Exposure to high levels of radiation can cause acute radiation sickness, which can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the immune system, among other symptoms. Chronic exposure to low levels of radiation may increase the risk of cancer and other health effects over time.
Source: https://www.instadose.com/blog/what-effect-does-radiation-have-on-the-body
The linear no-threshold (LNT) model of radiation exposure and safety…
The linear no-threshold (LNT) model is a widely used model in radiation protection to estimate the risks associated with low-level exposure to ionizing radiation. The basic assumption of the LNT model is that the risk of cancer induction is directly proportional to the amount of radiation exposure, even at very low levels, without any threshold below which radiation exposure is considered safe.
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