The management of used nuclear fuel and high level nuclear waste in Europe

An important issue in the debate about nuclear power is the disposal or treatment of the used fuels and other radioactive wastes produced by the nuclear industry. An explanation of the options available for the management of these spent fuels and radioactive wastes is presented. There are chapters on the origins, characteristics and regulation of nuclear fuel, an examination of the options for used fuel management, a description of the environmental consequences of used fuel waste management and comparison of the problems associated with radioactive wastes and chemically toxic wastes. Three appendices contain details of the properties of radioactive materials, radiation protection and the ways in which European countries have dealt with spent fuels and high-level wastes. (UK)