Radioactivity from burning coal

[loesch@cedr.lbl.gov (Robert M. Loesch)]

       The recent issue of Science News (Oct. 1, Vol 146, No. 14) contained 
a very nice article on the use of coal  (pg. 223).  The following is a 
summary of the calculations that were performed by W. Alex Gabbard, a 
nuclear physicist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory - it puts things into 
nice perspective, however, by publishing it in Science News, they targeted 
the wrong audience.

1 ton of coal contains 1.3 ppm U and 3.2 ppm Th (per EPA)
0.71% of U is U-235
US coal plants burned 616 megatons in 1982, which released unnoticed:
        801 tons of U (11,371 lbs was U-235)
        1,971 tons of Th
Globally, 2,800 megatons annually release:
        8,960 tons Th
        3,640 tons U (51,700 lbs U-235).
111 US nuke plants used 540 tons of fuel in 1982.
U releases by coal plants far exceeded the total nuke consumption
The energy content of the U released by coal plants is 50% greater
        than the energy content of the coal burned.
Coal plants are allowed to release quantities of radioactive waste that
        would provoke enormous public outcry if released by nuke plants.
Nuclear waste from coal combustion is allowed to be dispersed throughout     
   the biosphere in an unregulated manner.
Wastes accumulate in surround areas exposing people to increased 
        quantities of isotopes through air and water movement and food chain.

But the professional community already knew that, right?

Bob Loesch
DOELAP Administrator
U.S. Department of Energy