Question

Some causes of radioactive pollution include
(a). Nuclear power plants
(b). Nuclear testing
(c). Energy factories
(d). All of the above

Answer 1

- Hint: Radioactive pollution is mostly caused due to the different nuclear activities. Radioactive pollution occurs when there is a presence or depositions of radioactive materials in the atmosphere or environment. Nuclear reactions release high-energy radiations which are very harmful for nature.

Complete step-by-step solution -
Radioactive pollution occurs when there is a presence or depositions of radioactive materials in the atmosphere or environment, especially where their presence is accidental and when it presents an environmental threat due to radioactive decay. The destruction caused by the radioactive materials is because of the emissions of hazardous ionizing radiation (radioactive decay) like beta or alpha particles, gamma rays or neurons in the environment where they exist.
Since the substances are characterized by radiation – because there is a lot of instability of the particles present in the radioactive materials, it can seriously affect, alter and even destroy plants, animals, and human life. The extent of damage or danger posed to the environment depends upon the radioactive material concentration, the energy emitted by the radiation, proximity of the radioactive materials to those exposed, and the radiation type.
Here are some causes of radioactive pollutants.

1. Nuclear accidents from nuclear energy generation plants.
2. The use of nuclear weapons as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
3. Use of radioisotopes.
4. Mining.
5. Spillage of Radioactive Chemicals.
6. Tests on Radiation
7. Cosmic Rays and Other Natural Sources
8. Nuclear Waste Handling and Disposal
9. Defensive Weapon Production

From the above points, we now know that radioactive pollution is caused due to all the activities dealing with radioactivity or radio decay and activities involving nuclear energy.
Therefore, the correct option from the above is (d) all of the above.

Note: The radioactive pollution is one of the major threats to our earth. The radioactive pollution leads to genetic mutation. It leads to damage to DNA strands leading to genetic breakdown over time. It also leads to soil infertility, cell destruction and skin burns. It also affects the wildlife, plants and the aquatic lives.