We have been living in the nuelear age now for over half a century. Since the first atomic bombs were developed, nuclear technology has provided governments with the ability to totally destroy the planet. Yet the technology has been put to positive use as an energy source and in certain areas of medicine. To what extent is nuclear technology a danger to life on Earth? What are the benefits and risks associated with its use?

These days, many people are afraid of nuclear

technology

because of the dangers associated with its use. In my opinion,

although

it is true that nuclear weapons pose the greatest threat to life, the use of nuclear

technology

for peaceful purposes

also

carries some serious risks. Nuclear power stations provide an important source of cheap power for many industrialised nations and some developing countries.

However

, there is always the danger of radiation leaking from these plants. Even though safety precautions are taken, there have been numerous disasters

such

as the explosion of a nuclear plant in Russia not long ago. Nuclear

technology

is even used to help cure some diseases

such

as cancer. Radiation can be applied to the body to burn away cancerous cells.

This

is,

however

, a dangerous procedure, and the application of radiation is almost always painful and not always successful. The most worrying aspect of nuclear

technology

, though, is its use for military purposes. Enough atomic bombs have already been built to completely destroy the planet, and the real danger is that one day some country will start a war with these weapons. Too many countries now have the

technology

required to make

such

bombs, and there is currently much debate about how to control the situation. In conclusion, nuclear

technology

certainly has positive uses, but is,

nonetheless

, dangerous.

However

, it would have been better if it had never been used to create nuclear weapons. If life on Earth is to continue.