Daily Times

Nuclear energy is not a civilian-related economic activity. It is an appendage of the nuclear weapons industry, which is controlled by the so-called defence contractors. The powerful corporate interests behind nuclear energy and nuclear weapons overlap. By eliminating highly enriched uranium (HEU) technology production and foregoing reprocessing technology to extract plutonium, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) can effectively close the door on nuclear weapons of any kind. As an experienced nuclear scientist, I believe nuclear suppliers shouldn’t exist, and that intelligent and responsible leaders will never use the nuclear option under any conditions.

In Pakistan, Radioactive micro particles can be detected in the homes of the people living near the Chashma Nuclear Power Plant; they have turned the water golden, and have sparked fears of a cancer epidemic, and even heart problems. Cancer is actually turning into a big problem for the residents of the area. There was even the case of a single family, several members of which developed multiple forms of cancer at the same time, because their residence is located only 15 km from the plant, they naturally assumed it was the main cause.

An international research study also found that small, but still dangerous amounts of radioactive elements were found in dust from the nuclear cleanup site, as well as in the homes of many of the workers that are associated with the Nuclear Laboratory. These radioactive particles can easily cling to the workers’ clothes or shoes, and this is the main cause behind its spread.

Internal radiation exposure is a potential source of radioactive, plutonium, americium, thorium and uranium particles in the environment and exposure to these materials increases the risk of cancer. Plutonium is highly toxic, even in small amounts, and its radioactive isotopes can sit in the soil for decades, as well as cause lung cancer if inhaled. Uranium ingestion mainly targets the kidneys, while americium destroys and irradiates bone tissue, which can cause bone cancers and damage the thyroid. If these radioactive particles are inside the body, the body’s internal organs have no protection and a tiny amount can prove fatally toxic. Polonium-210 is 250 million times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide.

Most prominent Japanese nuclear scientists believe in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, which is why they vouched for its safety. With this belief, Japan built 54 nuclear power units in a country which experiences frequent earthquakes, and even volcanic eruptions. The Fukushima nuclear accident may have been a wakeup call, however, it also proves the work that still needs to be done: 400 tonnes of contaminated water from the plant runs into the sea every day, while no repository sites have been designated for radiation waste materials and no headway has been made regarding the cleanup of the melted reactors inside.

It is estimated that the Fukushima nuclear disaster bill for decommissioning and decontamination will amount to $188 billion. Underdeveloped countries pursuing this technology should keep this shockingly large number in mind, and consider that in case of emergencies, the result will always be death, destruction and disease. Foreign policymakers from all countries, especially underdeveloped countries, must resolve their outstanding issues through peaceful dialogue instead of wasting resources on nuclear weapons.

The 2011 Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear plant disaster in Japan was a watershed moment for nuclear Europe, with Italy deferring and subsequently cancelling new nuclear construction projects, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel kick-starting the country’s Energiewende (energy transition) project that is designed to wean Germany off of its dependence on nuclear energy.

Once radioactive particles are inside the body, the internal organs have no protection and a tiny amount can prove fatally toxic. Polonium-210 is 250 million times more toxic than hydrogen cyanide.

Hydroelectric power and water purification systems are the next step in our development. We can use this tech to generate sustainable solutions for purifying water and desalinating sea water, generating electric power, producing carbon-free synfuel, converting industrial effluent and toxic waste, compact/portable processing of hydro-fracking waste water and processing of sewage and solid waste. This technology represents both a waste-to-power solution and water purification system that converts effluents in to stabilised high energy, hydrogen-based fuels for operating modified turbine generators. Undesired components are eliminated and/or become non-hazardous and inert during the process.

The environmental impact of the hydroelectric system is minimal. The exhaust gases consist of water and warm air, whose residue is collected and reused in the energy production process. This is simply the safest and cheapest source of energy, and that too from entirely disposable waste water.

In equal justice, all nuclear powered states, including the United States of America and Russia, must stop enrichment/production of nuclear material because storing/dumping, transportation, decommissioning and decontamination of nuclear material, and even the so called peaceful use of nuclear material, is an international and national security threat, as well as a major waste of financial resources.

The writer is a scientist and former advisor for the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). He is currently working as a member of the International Advisory Council of Nuclear Emergency Action Alliance (NEAA).

Published in Daily Times, June 23^rd 2018.