EHLW is an acronym that stands for "Extremely High-Level Waste." It refers to a specific category of radioactive waste produced during the operation of nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities. EHLW is characterized by its exceptionally high levels of radioactivity and long-lasting hazards.
Nuclear facilities generate various types of radioactive waste, ranging from low-level to high-level waste. However, EHLW is distinguished by its extreme level of radioactivity, making it the most dangerous and difficult to manage form of nuclear waste. It typically consists of spent fuel from nuclear reactors, which has undergone significant fission reactions.
Due to its high radioactivity, EHLW poses significant challenges in terms of containment, transportation, and disposal. Specialized measures and engineering controls are required to handle EHLW safely, ensuring that it does not pose risks to human health or the environment.
Because of its long-lasting hazards, EHLW necessitates careful management for extended periods, often measured in thousands of years. Forever hazardous, its containment and isolation must be secure over many generations. Various approaches for EHLW disposal have been studied, including deep geological repositories, where it is permanently stored deep underground in stable rock formations to prevent any release into the biosphere.
Overall, EHLW represents the most high-risk form of radioactive waste generated by nuclear processes, demanding meticulous attention and rigorous safety protocols to safeguard human well-being and preserve our environment.
