Title: Radiation in perspective: the acceptability of nuclear energy

Authors: John H. Gittus

Addresses: Communication and Information Director, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, UK

Abstract: The nuclear industry|s perspective and the public|s perspective on big nuclear accidents and the incidence of leukaemia near nuclear sites are discussed. The industry|s perspective is that big accidents are so unlikely as to be virtually impossible, and that leukaemia is not specifically associated with nuclear installations. The public|s perspective is coloured by a prejudice and myth: the fear of radiation. The big nuclear accident is seen therefore as much more unacceptable than any other big accident. Given conflicting interpretations of the leukaemia problem, the public inclines towards the more pessimistic view. The nuclear industry|s problem with educating the public about big accidents and leukaemia is that the media and people opposed to nuclear power tend to nourish the public|s prejudice and give apparent substance to the myth. A new UKAEA programme seeks to redress the balance by working closely with the media and targeting sectors of media and the public.

Keywords: cancer; childhood leukaemia; nuclear accidents; nuclear power; radiation hazards; risk assessment; nuclear safety; radation; nuclear energy; media; UK; United Kingdom; UKAEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.1989.063700

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 1989 Vol.1 No.1/2, pp.67-71

Published online: 19 Jul 2014 *

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