What is considered the primary source of public exposure related to nuclear power production?

The primary source of public exposure related to nuclear power production is uranium mill tailings. These tailings are the byproduct of the uranium extraction process and remain radioactive. As uranium is mined and processed to produce fuel for nuclear reactors, a significant amount of radioactive material is left over in the form of tailings.

These tailings can pose environmental and health risks because they can contain long-lived radioactive isotopes, which, over time, may leach into groundwater or be dispersed into the air, contributing to radiation exposure for surrounding communities. In addition, the management and storage of these tailings must be carefully controlled to prevent any contamination or health hazards.

Other sources like power plant emissions and leakage can contribute to radiation exposure as well, but their impact is typically lower compared to the more persistent and widespread hazards presented by uranium mill tailings. Radon gas, while a known health risk and associated with uranium decay, is primarily a concern in residential areas where it emanates from soil and rock, rather than being a direct byproduct of nuclear power production itself.