There are times when a discussion turns from somewhat painful to entertaining theater. This conversation between George Monbiot and Helen Caldicott, featured on the March 31, 2011 edition of Democracy Now! entered that realm. Update: (Posted at 0500 on April 1, 2011) After some overnight thought, I realized that I needed to add some more…
There is no doubt that ionizing radiation at high enough levels can cause illness or even death. It is, after all, a form of energy that has the ability to do work. Anything that can do work and move physical objects – including tiny physical objects like chromosomes – can also do damage. However, since…
One of the results of the accidents at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station has been a legitimate effort to seek answers to the question – “Can it happen here?” Responsible nuclear professionals would not stop there, they would proceed to a series of questions. If so, what should we do right now to reduce…
The Atomic Insights Blog has been published here on Blogger since March of 2005. It has been a great host at a terrific price. Who can beat free? However, there are some limitations to the format and the expandability. Some of my friends have also teased me about having an outdated, old fashioned looking lay…
Atomic Insights has been on the web in one form or another since the fall of 1995. It started as a paper newsletter produced by a tiny team at Adams Atomic Engines, Inc. (AAE) that was designed to help potential customers learn more about the history and technology associated with using heat from fission to…
Two weeks ago, I wrote an article titled Nuclear plant issues in Japan are the least of their worries that attempted to provide a realistic prediction of the worst case consequences of the one-two punch from a very large earthquake and tsunami on a large nuclear power station on the coast of Japan. It has…
On Sunday, March 20, a group of pro nuclear energy communicators gathered to chat about the events at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station following a devastating earthquake and tsunami that put the entire station into a blackout condition. As predicted at the very beginning of the casualty, there have been no releases of radioactive…
***MEDIA ADVISORY*** NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING ON NRC RESPONSE TO RECENT JAPAN EVENT The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be briefed by its staff on the NRC’s response to the ongoing nuclear event in Japan in a public meeting on March 21 at 9 a.m. at NRC Headquarters, 11555 Rockville Pike, Rockville,…
This simple graphic says more than I can hope to add. Please visit the original post at Honor Our Nuclear Workers. To donate directly to the Fukushima workers and their families please go to:
I am sharing this status report to provide wider distribution. The content is posted without edits other than minor formatting. Update to Information Sheet Regarding the Tohoku Earthquake The Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan (FEPC) Washington DC OfficeAs of 12:30PM (EST), March 19, 2011 Radiation Levels At 10:30PM (JST) on March 19, radiation…
Vistors to Atomic Insights Every so often, I like to post a snapshot to show how many people are visiting and where they are coming from. It helps people feel like part of a growing community. Some of you are making amazing contributions to the discussions in the comments. Thank you.
Jefferey Merrifield served on the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 1998 – 2007. He was there when the Commission and the industry engaged in numerous “what if” discussions in the wake of 9-11 and major natural disasters like hurricanes Katrina and Isabella. As a result of those on going efforts, the US nuclear industry has…