How It Works
Beneficial Uses of Radiation
Electric Power Generation
America’s 104 nuclear power plants generate nearly 20 percent of the nation’s electricity, while emitting no carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides.
Nuclear Power Plant Fuel
Nuclear power plants do not burn any fuel. Instead, they use uranium fuel, consisting of solid ceramic pellets, to produce electricity through a process called fission.
Medicine & Scientific Research
Nuclear medicine procedures prolong and improve the quality of people’s lives. Radioisotopes also are used extensively in scientific research.
Food & Agriculture
More than 40 countries have approved the use of radiation to help preserve nearly 40 different varieties of food. In agriculture, radiation has eradicated approximately 10 species of pest insects.
Consumer Products
Many consumer products—from smoke detectors to photocopiers, and watches to cosmetics—use small amounts of radiation.
Industrial Applications
Among industries that use radioactive materials in their processes and products are automobile and aircraft manufacturers, mining and oil companies, and construction companies.
Space
Unmanned spacecraft rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for the power they need for space exploration. RTGs use heat from plutonium to generate electricity. They are safe, reliable and long-lived, even in the harsh climate of our solar system.
