I have been asked many questions related to nuclear power and the situation at the Fukushima Power Plant on the island of Honshu, Japan. So I will try to give my two cents' worth.
Let me say first that there is very little in the way of cold, hard facts to be able to come to any solid conclusion. What we hear comes from the Japanese government and filtered through the news media. So, even though there is a lot that can be said about nuclear power, we just don't know yet what the people there are up against. We can say however, that it is a serious situation. The potential from exposure to radiation is well known by the scientific community. And it can certainly be life-threatening. That is why countries have used threats of atomic bombs. But we all know that from history.
Here is something to consider though. There have been ten thousand (plus) people who have lost their lives in this devastating event. However none have been the result of exposure to radiation. Those Japanese people have been the victims of a horrific natural disaster, namely earthquakes and tsunami. And for now, that is the real story. This tragedy has claimed the lives of thousands, and affected the lives of many more. And we all need to find ourselves praying for those whose lives have been forever changed as a result of of this event.
As for the nuclear plant specifics, the radiation is coming from spent nuclear fuel that was exposed when the facility which houses that fuel was breached by the earthquake/tsunami. And with the interruption of electrical power, the pumps that would normally recover the borated water that covered that fuel were disabled. Supposedly now that electrical power has been restored and I'm sure every effort is being made to put the facility back in a safe configuration. But until we know more facts, we cannot be dogmatic about the situation.
So what about nuclear power in the USA? Are there risks? Yes, there are risks. But we have come a long way in our understanding since the Chernobyl and Three Mile Island events. And I believe the benefits we receive from nuclear power far outweigh the risks. So is it safe? I would say yes. Is it 100% foolproof? I would say no ....... but tell me something man-made that can boast that it is fool-proof? If you can tell me please do, I would like to buy some stock in it!
So what about the future of nuclear power? Right now, there is nothing else out there that can meet the power needs of our country. But if someone comes up with a viable substitute with less risks, I will be one of the first to say "Let's go for it." Until then, we who work in the industry must give our utmost to ensure the health and safety of the American public, while producing the electrical energy that we depend on.
I hope this helps a little ........................... Mike
5 comments:
Mike, thanks for posting. Interesting. It's true that we cannot trust the information that we receive, and we do not know if the Japanese authorities know a lot that they are not saying, or if they actually do not know what to expect from their issues. As far as our country goes, I hope all the people involved in nuclear energy are as conscientious and have the character that you have.
Thank you, Mike, for the interesting post! It is unfortunate how the focus is so much on the radiation threat that the many lives lost and the suffering from the earthquake and tsunami seem to get less attention.
Yes, your post was very well-written and helpful with our limited understanding. They are all such fascinating phenomenons --nuclear energy, earthquakes, tsunami's, etc. Thanks so much for the info, Mike!
I'll also say "thanks for the post" Mike. It is a scary and tragic situation over there, but we know the Lord is in control.
Thank you, Mike, for your time and energy to give us a grass roots, hands on, perspective of the Japanese tsunami nuclear catastrophe. Too often we have to wonder about the media reliability. Your input is much appreciated.
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