Changing public attitudes to radioactive waste management

Various aspects of the public acceptance of radioactive waste management are discussed. Basic recognition is that the two keys to better public acceptance are ''understanding'' and ''confidence''. Public attitudes are influenced by a variety of factors including fear of hazards posed by very long-lived radioactive wastes, mistrust of new technology, and mistrust of government control and the good intention of industry. As for the technical feasibility, a vast amount of effort has been devoted nationally and internationally. The importance of international co-operation in gaining public confidence and acceptance is clear. NEA is a privileged forum for the discussion of practices and policies in the waste management field. The program of NEA is designed to assist member countries in two main areas; dumping of low level radioactive wastes into deep ocean; and the disposal of high level radioactive wastes into deep geological formations. The legal, administrative and financial aspects of the long-term management of radioactive wastes are also the subject of a comprehensive study undertaken by NEA with the assistance of a group of technical and legal experts. (Aoki, K.)