A large nuclear power plant that generates electricity for a half million people produces approximately 25 tons of spent fuel annually. An equivalent coal plant produces 10 million tons annually of air pollutants, potentially hazardous ash, and other wastes. Because spent nuclear fuel is concentrated, large sums of money can be spent per ton to ensure it is carefully disposed of without significantly increasing the cost of electricity. Thus, environmental pollution from properly operated nuclear power plants is low. The large volumes of coal plant emissions make economic pollution control more difficult.
Many people believe that disposal sites for radioactive wastes are highly dangerous.
In reality, the risks are low for properly disposed of radioactive wastes, and these wastes pose no risk of large-scale accidents. Human experience with lead shows why. Much of the lead came from leaded gasoline burned in cars. Because of the health problems, leaded gasoline is now banned. Similarly, we have banned use of lead pipes for carrying drinking water because lead can dissolve in the water over time.