The 2024 federal budget contains many references to nuclear energy as a “clean” source of electricity. In our view, referring to nuclear electricity as 'clean' is the height of absurdity. The nuclear fuel chain begins with the mining of uranium from rock underground where, without human intervention, it would remain safely locked away from the biosphere.
Chronic radiation exposure can cause miscarriages, birth defects and a host of degenerative diseases including cancers of all kinds. Genetic damage to eggs or sperm can transmit defective genes to successive generations. Plutonium is one of the hundreds of radioactive byproducts created in used nuclear fuel. It is of special concern because it is the primary nuclear explosive in nuclear arsenals worldwide.