RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISCHARGES FROM NUCLEAR REACTORS

Many types and quantities of radioactive material are potential wastes. These must be considered in terms of such groupings as sources, activity levels, chemical and physical prope rties, operating methods, and industrial and regulatory limitations. Concurrently constant efforts must be made to evaluate the individual situation in terms of the total radiation exposures of the population and in terms of necessary economic considerations. Over the long term the growth of the nuclear industry, medical uses, and military applications, when compared with current health standards, easily justify an alert attitude on the part of industry and governmental agencies. With the growth, research and development should continue to provide practical and more economical solutions to specific potential hazards, if waste handling, treatment, disposal, and evaluation are given sufficient priority by industry and govennment. (auth)