Overall, a slim majority of Americans — 51% — favor the use of nuclear energy for domestic electrical use, while 43% oppose it. No doubt this is thanks in part to the many myths floating around about the use of nuclear power. In order to prevent any misconceptions that might be preventing the U.S. from investing in energy, here are some common myths that surround nuclear power and nuclear investment.
Myth: Americans are constantly surrounded by nuclear energy and radiation given off from nuclear power plants.
This is false. While Americans are constantly surrounded by natural occurring radiation, only 0.005% is due to nuclear power. This number is roughly 100 times less than what we’re exposed to from coal, 200 times less than a cross country flight, and about the same as eating one banana a year. All in all, nuclear power plants pose very little threat to the American people, especially when compared to other energy sources.
Myth: Nuclear power causes global warming and climate change.
Untrue! In fact, if we take away the barriers to investing in energy, nuclear power could drastically reduce emissions from power plants. That’s because nuclear power plants do not emit any greenhouse gases during operation. Plus, nuclear power plants require less land use than solar and wind power sources.
Myth: A nuclear reactor can explode like a nuclear bomb.
It is impossible for a nuclear plant to explode like the nuclear bombs used in war. This is because those weapons contain specialized, advanced materials that have been configured by a nuclear scientist to be harmful. None of these materials are present in a nuclear reactor. Plus, it is important to note that the nuclear reactors that exploded in Chernobyl have never been manufactured outside of the Soviet Union, so this threat is not relevant to our nation.
Myth: Nuclear waste cannot be recycled.
Many believe that the waste produced from nuclear reactors cannot be recycled, so it will end up in our atmosphere. This is untrue, and fully 96% of all nuclear waste is reused and/or recycled.
Myth: Investing in energy companies is a waste of time.
Actually, many experts believe that the future belongs to nuclear power. More and more Americans are noticing the benefits that come with nuclear energy investment as an emerging field in the stock market.
Are you interested in investing in energy companies? Contact our professionals today to get informed on the latest nuclear energy stocks available to investors.
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