Health effects of electricity generation from coal, oil, and nuclear fuel

from coal, uranium, and oil are compared, with particular attention given to accident and chronic-disease rates for fuel extraction and airbonne emissions from power and reprocessing plants. It is concluded that uranium offers less of a health hazard as a fuel than coal. The analysis is based on current operating practice; however, advances in technology can be expected to reduce both the occupational- and public-health risks from these fuels. (auth)