Are new nuclear power stations going to be more safely designed?
New nuclear power stations are designed to be safer, but however small the probability, there is always the chance of accidents releasing toxic radioactive substances into the atmosphere. Human error and mechanical failure can never be ruled out. And it is not just accidents that we need to worry about, there is a risk that even small amounts of radiation exposure may be harmful and nuclear power stations are permitted to routinely release low levels of radioactive emissions into the environment. Research has shown that there are increased rates of cancer around nuclear power stations. Recent German government-commissioned research showed higher rates of cancer in children under five living near nuclear power stations. Won’t government legislation protect us? Not necessarily. New planning laws are being pushed forward to allow new nuclear power stations to be more quickly agreed with less chance for local involvement and opposition. The two designs being proposed for the UK are new and
