Toward a Rational Policy for the Management of High-Level Radioactive Waste
Integrating Science and Ethics
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20360387 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Constantine Hadjilambrinos (0000-0002-5233-2731, Florida International University, corresponding author) |
| Year | 1999 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Pages | 179-189 |
| Publication date | 1999-06-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Bulletin of Science Technology & Society (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0270-4676 • E-ISSN: 1552-4183 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/027046769901900301 |
| OpenAlex | W1965047204 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 12 |
The disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLRW) is an issue that has seemed to defy not only solution but even a rational approach. This article reviews the development of U.S. HLRW disposal policy, focusing on the role of the scientific establishment. The failure of policymakers and their expert advisers is traced to the nature of the issues that need to be resolved to guarantee the safety of present and future generations. Scientific analysis cannot be used to predict the significance and impact of human actions at disposal sites in the distant future. Consequently, it cannot provide a comprehensive risk assessment of any permanent HLRW disposal options. Perpetual management of HLRW in monitored retrievable facilities can address this issue. A management process that is guided by both science and ethics is best suited to protecting health and the environment, as well as intergenerational equity and justice
Business · Economic Justice · Engineering ethics · Environmental planning · Intergenerational equity · Political science · Radioactive waste · Waste management · Computer Science · Engineering · Environmental Science · Law · Nuclear and radioactivity studies · Radioactive contamination and transfer · Risk Perception and Management
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |