A "debate" on nuclear power plant safety [review of 2 IEEE Spectrum articles)

Abstract

A review of: "Nuclecar Power Plant Safety - I," By Gadi Kaplan and Ronald K. Jurgen; and "Nuclear Powoer Plant Safety - II by Donald Friedlander (IEEE Spectrum, vol 15, no 5, pp 52-75, May 1976) is presented. The reviewer concludes that the shortcomings of the articles appear to be due in part to an effort by Spectrum to publish the material as soon as possible; yet, Spectrum has been in no great hurry to air the issues raised by other knowledgeable nuclear critics (e.g., Gofman, Tamplin, Ford, Kendall, Alfven, et. al.) over the past five years. Editor Christiansen conceded that the articles do no more than "open the door to further, substantive discussion of the complex issue of nuclear power implementation." It is to be hoped that Spectrum will now follow through and provide the thorough, substantive discussion that is so long overdue.