Some say that as a nation we can do without the electricity from nuclear fuel, that we can substitute some other primary resource. But, we run a very real risk in not having enough energy. An extended shortage would result in a significant reduction both in the quality of our lives and our individual freedom of choice. There are no perfect technologies, and life without high technology is the least perfect of all. However, in spite of the presence of such large quantities of other wastes, in spite of the obvious positive roles radioactive materials play in our lives, and in spite of the relatively small quantities of radioactive materials involved, it is the public's unfamiliarity with the radioactive waste component contained within the spent fuel elements from commercial nuclear power plants that provides the impetus for public concern.
Radioactivity is considered to pose a unique risk.
The real problem is fear,an emotional rather than a rational response. There are only 108 power producing nuclear reactors in the U.S., more than 300 in the rest of the world. And, based on a 30-year history of shipping radioactive materials, one can confidently conclude there is not a safety problem. All commercial shipments of spent fuel in the U.S. and the public are covered by private insurance through the indemnification provisions of the Price-Anderson Act. Spent or used fuel is a solid, ceramic-like material in pellet form, placed in 12 foot rods.