High-level radioactive waste

High-level radioactive waste

High-level radioactive waste (HLW) is a type of radioactive waste that is produced by nuclear reactors. It is characterized by its high levels of radioactivity and long half-life.

Pronunciation

High-level radioactive waste: /ˈhaɪˈlɛvəl ˌreɪdioʊˈæktɪv weɪst/

Etymology

The term "high-level radioactive waste" is derived from the high levels of radioactivity found in this type of waste. The term "radioactive" comes from the word "radioactivity", which was coined by Marie Curie in 1898. The term "waste" is from the Old English "waste", meaning "desolate, waste, uninhabited", reflecting the fact that this type of waste is typically stored in isolated, uninhabited areas due to its dangerous nature.

Related Terms

• Radioactive waste
• Nuclear reactor
• Half-life
• Radioactivity
• Marie Curie

Description

High-level radioactive waste is produced as a byproduct of the reactions that occur in nuclear reactors. It includes spent nuclear fuel and waste materials that are produced during the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel. Due to its high levels of radioactivity, HLW is extremely dangerous and must be handled with great care. It is typically stored in deep geological repositories to prevent it from contaminating the environment.

Disposal

The disposal of high-level radioactive waste is a major challenge for the nuclear industry. Currently, the most widely accepted method is deep geological disposal, where the waste is buried deep underground in specially designed repositories. However, this method is not without its controversies and challenges, including concerns about the long-term safety and security of these repositories.

See Also

• Low-level waste
• Intermediate-level waste
• Nuclear waste disposal
• Nuclear fuel cycle

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on High-level radioactive waste
• Wikipedia's article - High-level radioactive waste

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