Abstract:
Nuclear power is used throughout the world as a source of energy, supplying about 16% of the total electricity (Hore-Lacy, 2000). Uranium is harnessed for its radioactive properties and manipulated to produce energy. The radioactive material poses a threat to all living organisms. There are 438 nuclear power reactors that are currently in operation in 32 countries, all of which have potential for accidents (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2000). Accidents have occurred and will continue to do so because human error can never be eliminated. The threat of accident occurrences has increased since September 11, 2001.