| Summary/Abstract |
THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT of the nuclear industry in the 20th century, the widespread use of radioactive isotopes in medicine and in military programs, the usage of nuclear submarines, as well as the operation of radiochemical plants, factories, nuclear power plants, and scientific research centers all around the world are accompanied by a constant accumulation of radioactive waste (RW) and spent nuclear fuel (SF). Mishandling of RW and SF could possibly inflict significant damage on the whole planet, not merely a single nation. Thus, the question of placing RW and SF in storage is the main component of an environmental issue shared by the whole planet due to the use of nuclear energy.
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