X-Message-Number: 20237
Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 10:27:17 -0400
From: Thomas Donaldson <>
Subject: CryoNet #20217 - #20232

For Steve Harris:

As for ways to remove that long storage time which is so lmuch
advocated, yes, I never said that my suggestions ogave a complete
list. I will say, though, that putting wastes into a subduction
zone might not work against earthquakes which happen soon.
Throwing the waste into the Sun makes it permanently inaccessible.

As for use for nuclear wastes, in one way Steve Harris actually
proves my point. Strontium 90 has been used as a power source;
it is interesting that we can use other isotopes too. No,
I did not know that, but it gives at least one more isotope
from nuclear power which has a use.

Finally, about countries which can make reactors also being able
to make nuclear bombs: Harris is right that the connection is
not direct. However the engineering of a nuclear power plant
by a group of people means that that same group has enough
understanding of nuclear science to be able, if wanted, to 
make nuclear bombs. This remains true regardless of the type
of reactor. It's not the materials but the knowledge which is
important here. Moreover, if they can get the required fuel,
then they could easily divert some of it --- enough of it --- to
making bombs. After all, I never argued that the power plants
themselves could be made into bombs.

                    Best wishes and long long life for all,

                          Thomas Donaldson

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