Question

How many of the following statements is/are correct?
I. Safe disposal of radioactive wastes is an inherent problem with the use of nuclear energy
II. Accidental leakage of radioactive energy happened during the Bhopal Gas tragedy
III. Nuclear radiations can lower the rate of occurrence of mutations in our genomes
IV. Cancer is one of the most commonly caused disorders due to exposure to harmful radiations

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B 2

Nuclear power stations, which harness the energy of radioactive substances to generate electricity, generate a lot of radioactive wastes which are hazardous. Use of nuclear energy comes with two inherent problems -

1. Safe disposal of radioactive wastes
Hence statement I is correct.

2. Accidental leakage of nuclear energy
It was seen in the massive disaster in the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The chemical released during Bhopal Gas was methyl isocyanate. Hence, statement II is incorrect.

The radiation released by radioactive wastes can increase the rate of mutations in our genome, some of which can be lethal or even cause cancer. Hence, statement III is incorrect and statement IV is correct.