PLEASE HELP ME! Uranium can supply energy for the world's electricity without emitting harmful greenhouse gases. Which of these statements best describes an outcome of uranium mining?
a. The people living near the mines may suffer from diseases due to radiation
b. The rivers and streams around the mines may become dry due to greater evaporation.
c. The regions near the mines get abundant electricity due to greater production of electricity
d. The atmosphere around the mines remain unpolluted due to lesser amount of greenhouse gases
a. The people living near the mines may suffer from diseases due to radiation
To determine the correct statement that best describes an outcome of uranium mining, let's examine each option:
a. The people living near the mines may suffer from diseases due to radiation: This statement is accurate. Uranium mining involves the extraction and processing of radioactive materials, which can release harmful radiation. If safety measures and regulations are not followed properly, it can lead to health risks for nearby residents.
b. The rivers and streams around the mines may become dry due to greater evaporation: This statement is not directly related to uranium mining. The impact on water bodies can vary depending on the specific mining techniques and local environmental conditions, but evaporation is not typically a significant effect of uranium mining.
c. The regions near the mines get abundant electricity due to greater production of electricity: This statement is not accurate. Uranium mining is primarily focused on acquiring uranium for nuclear power generation, not electricity production itself. The expansion of electricity availability would depend on the construction and operation of nuclear power plants in the region, which are separate from the mining process.
d. The atmosphere around the mines remains unpolluted due to a lesser amount of greenhouse gases: This statement is not accurate. While it is true that uranium mining does not directly emit greenhouse gases, the overall environmental impact of mining activities includes the release of waste products and potential contamination of soil, water, and air. These factors can contribute to pollution but are not specifically related to greenhouse gases.
Based on the explanations above, the most appropriate statement that describes an outcome of uranium mining is:
a. The people living near the mines may suffer from diseases due to radiation.
The correct answer is: a. The people living near the mines may suffer from diseases due to radiation.
Uranium mining can have significant negative impacts on the environment and human health. The mining process involves extracting uranium ore from underground or open-pit mines, which can result in the release of radioactive particles, such as radon gas and dust, into the air and water. These radioactive emissions can pose serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of developing cancer or other radiation-related illnesses, for people living near the mines.