Doctor sounds alarm on risks of nuclear energy – Press-Telegram

Doctor sounds alarm on risks of nuclear energy Press-Telegram

By Tom Hennessy

10/08/2008

“……………………..In 1971, she played a major role in opposing French atmospheric nuclear testing in the Pacific. A decade later, she left Harvard University, where she had been an instructor in pediatrics, to work full time on the prevention of nuclear horror, whether by war or accident.Co-founder of Physicians for Social Responsibility and the recipient of 19 honorary degrees, Dr. Caldicott was named by the Smithsonian Institution as one of the most influential women of the 20th century.In an appearance sponsored by more than 20 Southern California groups, Dr. Caldicott will deliver a lecture, “The Presidential Campaign and the Fate of the Earth,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the First Congregational Church, 241 Cedar Ave., in downtown Long Beach.

The free event is open to the public…………………

Q. You have said the United States is the most dangerous country in the world in terms of nuclear policy. How did you arrive at that conclusion?

A. Because the U.S. processes more hydrogen bombs than any other country and because it has an official policy to fight and “win” a nuclear war against Russia. Its weapons are on hair-trigger alert and presidents (George) Bush and (Vladimir) Putin (now prime minister) have only a three-minute decision time to launch.

Of the 30,000 nuclear weapons in the world, the U.S. and Russia own 97 percent………………

Nuclear power is a grave public health danger, far worse than tobacco. Over time, it will induce epidemics of cancer, leukemia and genetic disease in all future generations from the massive quantities of radioactive waste currently being generated.

Therefore, it is dangerous in any country that possesses it. Reactors also manufacture 500 pounds of plutonium per year, fuel for potentially 100 nuclear weapons. Any country possessing a reactor owns a bomb factory. Plutonium remains radioactive for 500,000 years………….

Nuclear power is not emission free. This is a mendacious statement. The nuclear fuel chain from uranium mining, reparation of land, fuel enrichment and fabrication, reactor construction and decommissioning, and transport and storage of massive amounts of radioactive fuel over 500,000 years involves much fossil fuel.

With one or two decades, as the available uranium ore declines in usable concentrations, a nuclear reactor will collectively, therefore, produce as much CO2 as a similar sized natural gas electricity generator. Also, reactors continually emit radioactive gases and elements into the air and water as they operate.

Hence, it is medically dangerous to live near a nuclear power plant because you or your children are at risk of inhaling or ingesting radioactive elements which are carcinogenic. Locally grown fruit and vegetables also bio-concentrate these elements…………………………

Q. Why do some European countries seem unafraid to use nuclear power.

A. Because they are governed by scientifically and medically ignorant politicians who are manipulated by the powerful nuclear industry. They forget Chernobyl even though 40 percent of European land mass is still radioactive and will remain so for 600 years. Hence, some European food is radioactive…………………………………

Under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran is entitled to enrich uranium for nuclear power. In fact, it is encouraged to do so by the world nuclear establishment. Israel has 200 to 400 nuclear weapons and as such is setting a very dangerous example for the Middle East.

Only if the major nuclear nations move rapidly towards bilateral, multilateral nuclear disarmament will they, by example, have the moral authority to discipline and cajole other small countries not to build nuclear weapons.