Is there a plutonium problem
Description
The plutonium problem, which has become one of the favorite subjects of discussion within the nuclear controversy, includes a number of fundamental contradictions whose explanation seems to be urgently required. Plutonium, a material involving extreme potential hazard, in the 32 years since its discovery has been produced in large quantities mainly for military purposes and in this process has not always been handled in accordance with our present know ledge and present possibilities of radiation protection. On the contrary, large quantities of it were deposited on the ground as a consequence of nuclear bomb tests. Yet, nobody has as yet been proven to have been injured as a result of the incorporation of plutonium. The safest place for the plutonium produced in a reactor, at any rate, again is a reactor, irrespective of whether this is a thermal reactor or a breeder. Only by an accelerated circulation in the external fuel cycle can the relation between the amount of plutonium in circulation and the amount of energy to be generated be kept within tolerable limits. (orig.)
Abstract (German)
Das Plutonium-Problem ist im Rahmen der nuklearen Kontroverse als Diskussionsthema in die vorderste Reihe gerueckt. Dabei beinhaltet es einige fundamentale Widersprueche, die zu ihrer Aufklaerung geradezu herausfordern, denn: das Plutonium, potentiell aeusserst gefaehrlich, wurde in den 32 Jahren seit seiner Entdeckung zunaechst ueberwiegend fuer militaerische Zwecke in grossen Mengen gewonnen und dabei nicht immer nach heutigem Wissen und Strahlenschutz gehandhabt, ja sogar in erheblichem Umfang durch Bombentests auf der Erde abgelagert. Trotzdem ist bisher noch kein Mensch nachweislich durch die Inkorporation von Plutonium zu Schaden gekommen. Am sichersten ist der unverzichtbare Energietraeger Plutonium jedoch als Brennstoff in Reaktoren aufgehoben, und alle Anstrengungen sind auf diese eben so wuenschenswerte wie notwendige Verwendung des umstrittenen Materials ausgerichtet. (orig.)Additional details
Additional titles
- Original title (German)
- Gibt es ein Plutonium-Prpblem
Publishing Information
- Publisher
- Verl. fuer Wirtschaftsinformation.
- Imprint Place
- Duesseldorf, F.R. Germany
- Imprint Title
- Crucial problems of nuclear energy: uranium, plutonium, reprocessing
- Imprint Pagination
- p. 20-30.
- Journal Issue
- no. 5
- Series
- Kernenergie und Umwelt.;atw-Broschueren.
INIS
- Country of Publication
- Germany
- Country of Input or Organization
- Germany
- INIS RN
- 7258029
- Subject category
- S11: NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS;
- Descriptors DEI
- AVAILABILITY; FISSIONABLE MATERIALS; HEALTH HAZARDS; ISOTOPE PRODUCTION; PLUTONIUM; PLUTONIUM RECYCLE; PUBLIC RELATIONS; SAFETY; SAFETY STANDARDS; TOXICITY
- Descriptors DEC
- ACTINIDES; ELEMENTS; FUEL CYCLE; HAZARDS; METALS; TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
Optional Information
- Notes
- 2 figs.; 2 tabs. Imprint:Kernprobleme: Uran, Plutonium, Aufarbeitung.