High level waste: no technical solution

No safe way has yet been found of disposing of nuclear wastes. It is argued that the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in rock or in the seabed is a largely indeterministic problem due to the intrinsic unpredictability of the Universe. The wastes involved and the contamination possible, of the air and water, by them, are considered. The barriers suggested to prevent contamination (artificial or natural) are not seen as credible. In particular the natural barriers suggested could be subject to geological change caused by earthquakes, climatic changes, etc. It is suggested that it is irresponsible and unscientific to pretend that a solution can be found that will be safe for the thousand or so years that are necessary. (U.K.)