Final answer:
Residents near nuclear power plants typically receive minimal radiation exposure due to strict safety measures and monitoring. Controlled nuclear fission in such plants is a significant source of the world's electrical power, and safety protocols, especially since historical incidents, have improved to protect the public effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that people living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants receive minimal radiation exposure from these facilities. Modern nuclear power plants are designed with rigorous safety measures, and scientific testing has shown that there is no measurable exposure to radiation traceable to the plants for nearby residents. Controlled nuclear fission is used to generate about 16% of the world's electrical power, and these plants have systems in place to prevent environmental contamination. Nuclear facilities, in fact, often emit less radioactivity than coal-fired power plants, which can release naturally occurring radioactive elements into the atmosphere without any shielding. The biggest fears of nuclear power plant radiation leaks stem from historical accidents such as the Three Mile Island incident, where extensive safety measures still managed to prevent injuries and deaths due to radiation. Continuous monitoring, strict regulations, and improved safety protocols have made the operation of nuclear power plants quite safe for those living nearby.