Likely? The words "may" or "could" are more applicable. Apparently, 4000 incidents of thyroid cancer have been observed with a very low death rate. I believe the deaths attributed to Chernobyl are still less than 50. Chernobyl was an example of extreme Soviet incompetence and anyone using it as a proxy for nuclear power plants in general is guilty of fear mongering.
CHERNOBYL: THE TRUE SCALE OF THE ACCIDENT | UN Press
The true toll of the Chernobyl disaster - BBC Future
Quote:
Originally Posted by roscoguy
I watched an interesting documentary several years ago on the future of nuclear energy. It claimed that our current reactors are based on dated/obsolete technology and that many are still being used well after their designed lifespan. Another idea raised was that there is (or soon would be) technology that would result in a new generation of reactors that could use our current nuclear waste stockpiles as fuel. Seemed like a win/win situation, but I've never heard anything else about it since.
Just a point of clarification here: While is is believed that fewer than 50 people died directly from radiation exposure, sources estimate that 6000+ cancer deaths have been attributed to Chernobyl, with thousands more likely to come.
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