Nuclear waste is more radioactive and hazardous than the original fuel.
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 84/100
Spent nuclear fuel contains significantly higher concentrations of long-lived fission products and minor actinides than fresh fuel, resulting in elevated radiotoxicity that persists for thousands of years.
Evidence for · 4
Assessment of the Radiotoxicity of Spent Nuclear Fuel from a Fleet of PWR Reactors
2021 · cited by 29
Studies the long-term actinides radiotoxicity and isotopic composition of spent nuclear fuel, confirming high levels of radioactivity that require centuries to decay.
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More for · 3
Small nuclear power plants for power supply in arctic regions: assessment of spent nuclear fuel radioactivity
2018 · cited by 6
Analyzes the accumulation of long-lived radionuclides and radioactivity in spent reactor fuel compared to initial loads.
Dataset of observables for UOX and MOX spent fuel extracted from Serpent2 fuel depletion calculations for PWRs.
2023 · cited by 1
Provides comprehensive databases confirming the significant contribution of irradiated nuclear fuel to overall activity, decay heat, and radiotoxicity.
Investigating the potential advantages of using thorium-based fuel as an advanced nuclear fuel in a typical boiling water reactor assembly (BWR).
2025 · cited by 0
Examines how conventional uranium fuel cycles result in the accumulation of minor actinides and high-level radiotoxic waste.