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Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact

Douglas Atung., Gabriel Nelson A. A., Azeez Prof. S. B., Elegba Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam Victor C., Elijah

Subject area: Science,Engineering and Technology  ·  Area of research: Nuclear Physics, Radiation Physics

DOI: 10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188

Abstract

Nuclear accidents and radiation leaks present profound risks to environmental integrity, public health, and global security. However, nuclear technology provides essential benefits in energy production, medicine, agriculture, and scientific innovation. Accidental radiation releases have posed major environmental and public health challenges. This narrative review synthesizes global evidence on the environmental consequences of nuclear accidents and radiation leaks. Over the past decades, major incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the need for intensive international monitoring and regulatory systems capable of detecting radiological releases rapidly and coordinating an effective response. This paper also examines the effectiveness and limitations of global monitoring networks and regulatory frameworks governing nuclear safety. The review concludes that global monitoring and regulatory structures have improved significantly; continued advancement is needed to ensure rapid detection, harmonized communication, and effective environmental protection in the face of evolving nuclear technologies and geopolitical risks.

Keywords

Radiation, Nuclear Accidents, Radiation Leaks, Radiation Leaks, Chernobyl, Fukushima

References

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How to cite this paper

Douglas Atung., Gabriel, Nelson A. A., Azeez, Prof. S. B., Elegba, Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam, Victor C., Elijah "Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 9 2026 Page 1140-1148 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188
Douglas Atung., Gabriel, Nelson A. A., Azeez, Prof. S. B., Elegba, Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam, Victor C., Elijah "Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026, doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188
Douglas Atung., Gabriel, Nelson A. A., Azeez, Prof. S. B., Elegba, Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam, Victor C., Elijah (2026). Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(9). doi: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188
Douglas Atung., Gabriel, Nelson A. A., Azeez, Prof. S. B., Elegba, Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam, Victor C., Elijah "Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 9, no. 9, Mar. 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188
@article{1715188,
      author = {Douglas Atung., Gabriel, Nelson A. A., Azeez, Prof. S. B., Elegba, Prof. N. N., Abdulsalam, Victor C., Elijah},
      title = {Environmental Consequences of Nuclear Accidents and Radiation Leaks: A Narrative Synthesis of Global Impact},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {9},
      pages = {1140-1148},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1715188.pdf},
      abstract = {Nuclear accidents and radiation leaks present profound risks to environmental integrity, public health, and global security. However, nuclear technology provides essential benefits in energy production, medicine, agriculture, and scientific innovation. Accidental radiation releases have posed major environmental and public health challenges. This narrative review synthesizes global evidence on the environmental consequences of nuclear accidents and radiation leaks. Over the past decades, major incidents such as Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the need for intensive international monitoring and regulatory systems capable of detecting radiological releases rapidly and coordinating an effective response. This paper also examines the effectiveness and limitations of global monitoring networks and regulatory frameworks governing nuclear safety. The review concludes that global monitoring and regulatory structures have improved significantly; continued advancement is needed to ensure rapid detection, harmonized communication, and effective environmental protection in the face of evolving nuclear technologies and geopolitical risks.},
      keywords = {Radiation, Nuclear Accidents, Radiation Leaks, Radiation Leaks, Chernobyl, Fukushima},
      month = {March},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I9-1715188}
  }