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

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.