There are a number of pervasive myths regarding both radiation and radioactive wastes.
Some lead to regulation and actions which are counterproductive to human health and safety.
Over the years, many views and concerns have been expressed in the media, by the public and other interested groups in relation to the nuclear industry and in particular its waste. Questions have been raised about whether nuclear power should continue when the issue of how to deal with its waste has apparently not yet been resolved.
Some views and concerns include:
1. The nuclear industry still has no solution to the 'waste problem', so cannot expect support for construction of new plants until this is remedied.
2. The transportation of this waste poses an unacceptable risk to people and the environment.
3. Plutonium is the most dangerous material in the world.
4. There is a potential terrorist threat to the large volumes of radioactive wastes currently being stored and the risk that this waste could leak or be dispersed as a result of terrorist action.
5. Nuclear wastes are hazardous for tens of thousands of years. This clearly is unprecedented and poses a huge threat to our future generations.
6. Even if put into a geological repository, the waste might emerge and threaten future generations.
7. Man-made radiation differs from natural radiation.
8. Nobody knows the true costs of waste management. The costs are so high that nuclear power can never be economic.
9. The waste should be disposed of into space.
10. Nuclear waste should be transmuted into harmless materials.