Is there a plutonium problem

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 knowledge 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. Other contradictions lie in the fact that already too much plutonium is said to be in existence right now whereas, on the other hand, it is claimed that the material is available in insufficient quantities only, that it is hardly worthwhile to separate plutonium from the fission products while, on the other hand, it may well become our most important source of energy. Finally, plutonium as a 'bad word' has a negative impact on the public which can hardly be surpassed. And yet, a whole coming generation of breeder reactors depends on the intentional multiplication of this material. These contradictions are explained in detail and elucidated by the results of various studies. 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.)