The plutonium legacy. Nuclear proliferation out of control?

The issues in this report arise mainly because the world is producing a growing stockpile of plutonium, created by the civilian reprocessing of spent reactor fuel and by the dismantling of nuclear weapons. Plutonium is an exceedingly toxic material. It is also a very efficient explosive: only a few kilograms are needed to fabricate a nuclear weapon. Fundamental to the control of nuclear weapon proliferation is the control of plutonium supplies. The main international instrument for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons is the non-proliferation treaty (NPT). The Treaty should be strengthened by, amongst other things, improving the effectiveness of IAEA safeguards. Other recommendations for nuclear suppliers and nuclear exporters are made. 'Citizen verification' of the non-proliferation regime is also suggested as is an international body to deal with nuclear smuggling. (author)