Final answer:
Disposing of spent nuclear fuel rods is a problem due to their radioactive contamination risk, lasting environmental damage, and the lack of a long-term storage solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Disposing of spent fuel rods from nuclear power plants is problematic if they contain uranium-238 because of radioactive contamination. These rods include not only uranium isotopes like uranium-238 but also transuranium elements such as plutonium and americium, all of which have the potential to remain highly radioactive for thousands of years. Disposal must be managed carefully to avoid environmental damage and protect human health. Handling and storing this radioactive waste involves complex safety measures, and no definitive long-term storage solution exists in the United States. The high radioactivity poses a significant risk if not properly contained and can lead to the contamination of air, water, and soil.