Perhaps the most significant environmental concern raised by nuclear energy is nuclear waste. Even when it is properly disposed of, nuclear energy takes so many years to decompose. For this particular reason, nuclear power becomes an environmental and safety concern. Before the nuclear waste decomposes to the appropriate safety levels, it can pose serious environmental concerns. For instance, it can continue releasing radioactive radiations, which can affect and even kill animal species.
Again, it can contaminate the soil adversely affecting its quality. Worse still, undecomposed nuclear waste can contaminate water sources making the water unfit for both animal and human consumption. Furthermore, contaminated water as a result of nuclear waste can suppress and kill marine species if it drains in rivers, lakes, or oceans. Most importantly, nuclear waste can continue emitting pollutants into the atmosphere before it decomposes fully. This pollution ruins air quality and causes ailments as well.