Publication Laka-library:
Nuclear Security in cauda venenum (2014)
| Author | J.W.Storm van Leeuwen, WISE |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Classification | 6.01.3.00/56 (NUCLEAR SAFETY - GENERAL) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
Introduction A unique feature of applied nuclear technology is the generation of fissile materials from non-fissile materials and the generation of tremendous amounts of human- made radioactivity. Radioactivity is harmful and dangerous to humans and cannot be destroyed nor made harmless. Nuclear technology has two faces: a military one and a civil one. Consequently nuclear security concerns military as well as civil aspects. Military and civil nuclear technology are inseparable. Specificly military applications of nuclear technology (e.g. weapons and nuclear propulsion) are not discussed here. This report focuses on the security and safety issues raised by civil applications of nuclear technology. Nuclear security is a complex issue, involving all aspects of nuclear technology which could inflict serious damage to (geo) political, economic and societal stability. Of primary concern are the possibilities of terroristic attacks with nuclear explosives. Little less worrisome however might be the possibilities of Chernobyl- scale dispersion of massive amounts of radioactivity in the public domain, either by terroristic attacks with conventional explosives, or by accident: the consequences are indistinguishable. This report addresses three inextricable aspects of nuclear security, for that reason it is divided into three parts: Part A Nuclear security and malicious actions Origin and availability of fissile materials and of highly radioactive materials. Potential terroristic actions with nuclear explosives. Part B Security and civil nuclear power Models, physical laws and empirical evidence. Mechanisms of Chernobyl-scale disasters. Non-nuclear terroristic attacks causing severe damage. Part C Nuclear security and economics Energy on credit. Flexible standards. Entanglement of interests. Putting responsibilities off. Heading for future disasters: in cauda venenum.
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