Title: Managing security risks to the nuclear fuel cycle: current knowledge and challenges ahead

Authors: Friedrich Steinhausler

Addresses: Division of Physics and Biophysics, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstr. 34, A 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Abstract: Since the terror attacks on 11 September 2001 in the USA, the world has suffered 11 major terror attacks with suspected links to al-Qaeda, resulting in over 1045 dead and about 6000 persons injured. These attacks were targeted against nightclubs, tourist hotels, social clubs, luxury apartments, mosques, UN and Red Cross Headquarters abroad, a military compound, banks, offices of political parties, commuter trains and public transport (Steinhausler, 2005). In this period no serious terrorist attack has been carried out against a nuclear power plant or other component of the nuclear fuel cycle. However, this should not lead to a false sense of security. Dr El Baradei from the IAEA warned within days of the 9/11 attacks that from now on nuclear installations need to review their security procedures.

Keywords: nuclear fuel cycle; security risks; risk management; terrorist attacks; nuclear power plants.

DOI: 10.1504/AFP.2007.015821

Atoms for Peace: an International Journal, 2007 Vol.1 No.4, pp.275 - 280

Published online: 20 Nov 2007 *

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