Nuclear EnergyAs our population increases, so will our demand for electricity. Air conditioners, computers, televisions, microwave ovens, and many other household appliances have become necessities for Americans. All methods of producing electricity have drawbacks. As the earth gets warmer, we must look for ways to reduce our use of fossil fuels. There are several ways to produce electricity without releasing air pollution. The most feasible method at this time is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy represents a safe, clean and economical alternative to other methods of electricity production. Nuclear waste can be reprocessed or disposed of safely, as long as certain precautions are taken. Properties of Radiation To understand the risks associated with nuclear energy, it is necessary to understand the properties of radiation and its effects. The term radiation refers to a wide range of things. Ionizing radiation is what can and does cause harm. Ionizing radiation creates ions when it hits something, which can then affect matter such as human tissue. The two main types of ionizing radiation are electromagnetic and particle. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation includes X-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. Ionizing particle radiation involves alpha particles, which are helium nuclei, beta particles, or electrons and neutrons. Gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles are the main forms of radioactivity associated with nuclear energy (Taylor, 1996). Comparison with other typesRadiation has many benefits for humans, but too much of any type of radiation can be harmful. For example, the sun emits infrared radiation, or heat, in addition to visible light, another type of electromagnetic radiation. These...... middle of paper...... (2014). NEI: The history of nuclear energy: high-level waste. http://www.nei.org/story/high_level_main.html. (October 25, 2014).Nuclear Energy Institute (2014). NEI: The history of nuclear energy: nuclear fuel. http://www.nei.org/story/fuel_main.html. (October 25, 2014).Nuclear Energy Institute. (2014). NEI: The history of nuclear energy: safety. http://www.nei.org/story/safety_main.html. (October 25, 2014).Nuclear Energy Institute (2014). NEI: The history of nuclear energy: navigation. http://www.nei.org/story/shipping_main.html. (October 26, 2014).Nuclear energy: energy for people. Nuclear Energy Institute brochure. Rossin, D. A. (2012). FRONTLINE: Nuclear reaction: reprocessing policy. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/reaction/readings/rossin.html. (October 25, 2014).Taylor, L. S. (1996). Introduction to LST. http://www.sph.umich.edu/group/eih/UMSCHPS/lstintro.htm. (25 Oct 2014).