TNAG-1658-FCO40-2306-Daya-Bay-nuclear-power-station-project-safety-concerns-in-Ho-1987 — Page 247

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I think we have to acknowledge that modern man has not yet finished

the process of filing radiation and nuclear power in his mind, as he has

done with hydro power and dam catastrophes and other modes of generating

electricity and the risks connected with them. Although he has long

accepted the X-raying of his body and radiation treatment of cancer, his

mind is still wrestling the the nuclear power stations, nuclear accidents

and nuclear waste disposal.

This reasoning leads to two conclusions. First, we must simply

accept that uranium fuelled generation of electricity is subjected to

more severe conditions for public acceptance than fossil fuelled

generation of electricity. This calls for a sustained record of

excellence in nuclear power operation. Second, the public must be

provided with correct and understandable information so that people have

adequate material for a rational processing of the nuclear questions in

their minds.

The concerns seem to centre on three issues:

First, the management and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Before Chernobyl this was the most important public issue;

Second, the risk for accidents with consequent major releases of

radioactivity. The accidents at Three Mile Island and at

Chernobyl resulted in major destruction of the reactor core.

However, at TMI the reactor containment worked and there were no

significant releases to the atmosphere;