International Mechanisms For Protecting The Environment From Radioactive Pollution

Abstract

This research addresses the phenomenon of radioactive pollution as an environmental and legal risk. It has become widespread in this era, with the increasing use of nuclear energy as an alternative source of conventional energy and the rapid development of human life. This has resulted in the emergence of a serious environmental problem: radioactive pollution. This pollution occurs as a result of fuel cycles, gaseous waste, and nuclear reactor products. Nuclear dust is also considered one of the most important environmental pollutants, whether through breathing or exposure to a passing cloud (such as that formed as a result of the Chernobyl reactor disaster). It can also result from burns caused by dust adhering to the skin, as well as its deposition on plant leaves, which in turn is transmitted to humans through food or through the consumption of animals (such as milk and hay). The seriousness of this problem lies in its diffuse nature, as it does not recognize geographical or political boundaries, crossing the national borders of the country in which it occurs, reaching the territories of neighboring countries. This requires international cooperation to protect the environment and provide adequate support and international cooperation to enable them to undertake this difficult task. The research aims to analyze the existing international legal framework. To protect the environment from radiation, and to evaluate the effectiveness of institutional and technical mechanisms, such as the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emergency cooperation mechanisms, and technical standards, the role of specialized international agreements in protecting the environment from radioactive contamination was also explained.