In response to a request from Congress, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the
Department of Homeland Security sponsored a National Academies study to assess
the safety and security risks of spent nuclear fuel stored in cooling pools and dry
casks at commercial nuclear power plants. The information provided in this book
examines the risks of terrorist attacks using these materials for a radiological dispersal
device. Safety and Security of Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel is an unclassified public
summary of a more detailed classified book. The book finds that successful terrorist
attacks on spent fuel pools, though difficult, are possible. A propagating fire in a
pool could release large amounts of radioactive material, but rearranging spent fuel
in the pool during storage and providing emergency water spray systems would
reduce the likelihood of a propagating fire even under severe damage conditions.
The book suggests that additional studies are needed to better understand these
risks. Although dry casks have advantages over cooling pools, pools are necessary at
all operating nuclear power plants to store at least the recently discharged fuel. The
book explains it would be difficult for terrorists to steal enough spent fuel to construct
a significant radiological dispersal device.
National Research Council. 2006. Safety and Security of Commercial Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage: Public Report. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
Sign in to access your saved publications, downloads, and email
preferences.
Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first
login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset
link via email. Having trouble?
Visit our FAQ page
to contact support.
Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of
Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their
respective Academy portals.
Register
Register
Thank You
Thank You
Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!
Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a
10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.
Forgot Password
Forgot Password
Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to
receive password reset instructions.
Reset Requested
Reset Requested
We sent password reset instructions to
your email
. Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive
it? Check your spam folder or
contact us
for assistance.
We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and
spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you
did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below