Second thoughts on breeder reactors

After explaining the concept of a breeder reactor in brief, main arguments against it, namely, danger of reactor accidents, carcinogenicity of plutonium, possibility of plutonium theft and problem of disposal and storage of radioactive wastes are discussed in detail and examned in proper perspectie detail and examined in proper perspectie detail and examined in proper perspective. It is pointed out that the nuclear industry is one of the safest. Limited potential of other energy sources to meet the growing demand for energy and no possibility of application of fusion reactor on a practical scale in the near future makes the use of nuclear power inevitable. In the Indian context, the development of fast breeder reactor is quite relevant because of its limited uranium reserves but vast resources of thorium. (M.G.B.)