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Living near a power plant is something that most people would consider a
nightmare, as they think of situations like the meltdown of the Chernobyl
nuclear plant. However, studies have shown that living near a power plant is
safe, and there is very little risk of the modern power plant being a danger to
people. However, understanding the pros and cons of living
near a power plant is important, so here is what you need to know:
Pros
-
Better Living Standard — It’s interesting to
note that most of the people that live near nuclear power plants are the
ones that work there. They tend to receive better salaries, receive
comprehensive medical insurance, and care for their health. Seeing
as their job involves such a high risk of health issues, most of the
people that work in nuclear power plants tend to take care of themselves
and have a higher living standard. -
Lower Chance of Power Outages– Sending power across
the city involves a lot of power lines, and these lines can be cut or
damaged. This can cut power around the city, but the homes closer to the
power plant aren’t affected. Just like being close to a modem increases
the signal of a wireless or broadband internet connection, so too being
close to a power plant makes it more likely that you’ll always have a
reliable connection to the power source. -
Cheaper Housing — Most people are terrified of nuclear power plants, so
homes around the plant will usually be a lot cheaper than homes further
away in “safer” areas. This means you can get a beautiful home
for a much lower cost, which is an excellent option for those who want to
buy a home on a low income. -
More Jobs — Nuclear power plants need hundreds of workers to run
efficiently, which means that hundreds of jobs are generated wherever the
plant is located. A nuclear power plant can actually boost the economy of
a city, as it helps to increase employment opportunities for people of all
ages, demographics, and professions.
Cons
-
Risk of Nuclear Accident — Should anything happen
to the power plant — such as in a flood, a fire, an earthquake, or a
terrorist attack — homes within 10 miles of the power plant will be in
direct danger. Their risk of
ingesting or inhaling radioactive isotopes is much higher, but the
radioactivity tends to dissipate it travels further away from the reactor.
Homes further than 10 miles away will be marginally more likely to develop
cancer, but the risk is negligible. -
Risk of Environmental Contamination —All nuclear power plants
are rigorously monitored in order to ensure that they are properly
protecting their workers, disposing of radioactive materials safely, and
avoiding any groundwater runoff from the materials used to generate
energy. However, no matter how many precautions are taken, there is always
the risk that there will be some contamination and damage to the
environment caused by the nuclear power plant. It’s just a part of life,
and even the most careful companies cannot avoid at least minimal
contamination.
With companies like Stream
Energy in Texas providing energy from alternative sources, nuclear
power may be on its way out. It will take at least a few decades more for
alternative energy to be as widely available as nuclear energy, so it’s
important to understand more about living in a city with a large nuclear power
plant. By taking into account the pros and cons of living near a power plant,
you can make the best decision for your family.
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