Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Non-problem of nuclear wastes. [Monograph]

Book ·
OSTI ID:6929449

The author contends that a safe method of nuclear waste disposal exists which, added to the safety, reliability, and economic advantages, makes nuclear power the best energy choice. Comparisons of the hazards of storing nuclear wastes with those of fossil fuels shows nuclear waste disposal to have fewer safety, public health, and environmental impacts in terms of the smaller volume involved and the duration of toxicity. Mr Beckmann points out that, although adequate engineering solutions for nuclear waste disposal exist, better methods will likely be developed. He feels that most of the controversy is due to public confusion over low-level wastes, which account for 99% of the volume and only 1% of the radioactivity. He observes that debate over these wastes, mill tailings, plant decommissions, and the transport of nuclear materials has prevented a rational nuclear policy, partly because the public has not developed comparable concerns about alternative fuels. (DCK)

OSTI ID:
6929449
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English