dave's answer to one of your questions

[Norman Cohen <ncohen12@HOME.COM>]

Dave Lochbaum wrote:



> Hello Norm:

>

> The NRC's report from October 2000 documented that a spent fuel pool with a partial water draindown can lead to a

> spent fuel fire. The zirconium cladding (i.e., the metal tubes that contain the fuel pellets)

> can reach its ignition temperature in the presence of air when there's inadequate cooling. The resulting fire leads

> to loss of integrity of the metal tubes, allowing the radioactive material inside the tubes to be

> released. The radioactive gases and small particles can escape the fuel handling building and reach the atmosphere.

> Due to its decay, iodine-131 is not much of a concern in this scenario. But cesium-137

> poses a concern due to its longer half-life (about 30 years as opposed to 8 days).

>

> Take care,

>

> Dave

>

> >>> Norman Cohen <ncohen12@home.com> 11/19/01 09:40AM >>>

> Dave,

> Can you explain furtrher your comments about the fuel catching fire and

> being dispersed into the atmosphere.

> Norm

>

> Don Mercado wrote:

>

> > http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/terrorism/july-dec01/nuclear_11-02.html

> >

> >







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