- ID
- 3816172
- Banca
- COPESE - IF-TM
- Órgão
- IF-TM
- Ano
- 2011
- Provas
- Disciplina
- Inglês
- Assuntos
RADIATION AND ATOMIC WASTE
Life on earth has always been exposed to a certain amount of radiation from natural sources, which
comes in part from cosmic rays. Also present in our environment is radiation from the radioactive elements
that occur naturally such as radium, thorium, and uranium.
One of the most serious problems that can result from radiation given off by nuclear reactions is
damage to the genes, the cells in living organisms that control hereditary factors. Exposure to radiation can
cause a mutation, a change in some inherited characteristics of the organisms. Only a very small proportion
of mutations are beneficial to the organism.
The nuclear reactors that have been developed for experimental, peaceful and energy production
purposes are surrounded by a heavy protective shield of concrete, or sometimes of lead, to protect the people
who work with them.
A further problem involves the disposal of radioactive wastes. As the number of nuclear reactors in
existence has increased, so has the amount of dangerous waste products. They cannot simply be released into
the environment because they could create a potential hazard for all living things in the world.
Experimentation is trying constantly to find safe methods of getting rid of the harmful by-products of nuclear
reactors. (p. 75)
Adaptado de LIBERATO, Wilson Antônio. De olho no vestibular (Inglês -Textos). São Paulo: FTD, 1996. 144 p.
Select the correct statement analyzing the information given by the text above.