Peter-

Please proof what you are posting or review what you are reading before you post.

It's reactor units 1 and 3 which have had their roofs and upper walls blown off by hydrogen explosions so far. Units 4, 5, and 6 are in the same Fukushima complex but were shut down for regularly scheduled maintenance before the earthquake and the tsunami and hopefully will not be affected by what is currently happening in this complex. Unit 2 appears to be in serious trouble and I would expect that it too will experience a hydrogen explosion similar to what happened to 1 and 3. Is everyone keeping score now?

Now on the topic of fuel rods Unit 3 appears to be unique at the Fukushima complex, according to what's posted at Wikipedia:

From September 2010, unit 3 has been fueled by mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel rather than low enriched uranium (LEU) used in the other reactors.

The situation is serious enough without getting the basic facts incorrect. Of course, what's posted at Wkipedia may also be incorrect but please cite sources for such statements so that we can do some follow-up rather than argue about our deeply held opinions.

Donuel's scenario described above for what might happen in a nuclear meltdown at this complex may be all too true. No, it's unlikely to be a bomb like explosion but there will certainly be a major release of highly radioactive material to the environment.

My faith in the integrity of stainless steel containment vessels is challenged by the fact that these vessels are 40 years old and are weakened by embrittlement after being bombarded by radioactive isotopes for this period.

Well, it's time to go back and continue painting the living room in the vacant apartment across the hall. Why do I hear a Peter Berryman song echoing in my ears?

Charley Noble