The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #166886   Message #4018607
Posted By: Raedwulf
12-Nov-19 - 06:09 AM
Thread Name: BS: nuclear fusion
Subject: RE: BS: nuclear fusion
Red - You are overstating the radiation problem, I think. Whilst it is certainly not desirable to be bombarded with neutrons, neutrons also aren't radiation in the generally understood sense. Most isotopes of most elements are stable & bombarding them with neutrons doesn't make them emitters, even if they actually absorb any neutrons. Neutrons don't ordinarily create radioactive waste, in other words. And if they do, the chances are they will be alpha-emitters anyway.

As for alpha particles, they can be stopped with a sheet of paper! At least, in theory. Alpha radiation, again, is not especially dangerous & whilst it can create radioactive waste, this is relatively low level & easy to deal with. It's beta and, especially, gamma emitters that are dangerous & there's little reason to fear that fusion technology will generate much in the way of either.