Does public fear of radiation make nuclear power more expensive?
Allison argues that because of his safe threshold, the regulations set up to prevent people being exposed to low doses of radiation are unnecessary and make nuclear power more expensive. These rules all require large amounts of shielding for the nuclear reactor, push up the price of waste disposal and place limits on how long technicians can work in certain high-risk areas. Revising some of these regulations, says Allison, might bring down the costs of nuclear power and make it an even more economical way to tackle climate change.
