Most of us know of someone who has or has died of cancer. For years the threat of the 'Big C' was not discussed. This has changed considerably with education and the advent of new technology and early discovery. A lot of reliance is on the supply of radio isotopes.
This is the weapon that ANSTO is using to frighten the public into the acceptance of a new reactor at Lucas Heights. Critics of the proposal are calling for an independent investigation into alternatives such as spallation sources. These instruments are safer that reactors, generate far less radioactive waste and could be suitable for both the main purpose of the new reactor-medical radio isotope production and scientific research.
A parliamentary research report released on September 10th concludes "It is clear that, in coming to a decision in principle to have a new reactor the government has not made a thorough balanced comparison of the merits of spallation sources versus the reaction method".
ANSTO also states that the most frequently need radio pharmaceutical TC99M has a half life of 6 hours and it would not be possible to import it safely. In 1993 the Australian and NZ Society of Nuclear Medicine said that delays with imported material occur about twice a year. Japan, USA, UK and many other countries rely on imported isotopes.
They really cannot pull the wool over the public eyes that nuclear reactors are environmentally safe. There are many reports of accidents and even more importantly what are they going to do with all that waste? They are not doing such a good job of cleaning up Maralinga and no other country is likely to accept it now.One wonders at the reasons behind ANSTO's demand for a new reactor. As we sell our uranium overseas, it would be valuable to sell the "know how", particularly to Indonesia who wish to build twelve power plants.
Although General Electric and Westinghouse have abandoned programs to build new reactors as they face public pressure - its interesting the President Clinton has just announced that the USA will build reactors in China. Well, you can't let a good business go .....
Compiled by Elaine Atkinson from "Third Opinion" and Jim Green, Wollongong Dept. of Science & Technology Studies