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 Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=20237