US Knew About Faulty Nuclear Reactors in Japan but Gave Green Light Anyway

Despite concerns about the reliability of its water-cooled nuclear reactors, the US government gave the green light to General Electric to start production, a report claims. The reactors, designed by General Electric, have been plagued by engineering flaws, with three employees resigning over safety concerns 35 years ago. The employees, including Dale G. Bridenbaugh, warned that the cooling system was susceptible to severe accidents, but their concerns were reportedly ignored. Now, the reactors are facing a catastrophic meltdown in Japan, leading some to label it an "American nuclear disaster."

Key Takeaways:

• The US government was aware of the potential risks of General Electric's water-cooled nuclear reactors but allowed production to continue, a report claims.
• Three General Electric employees resigned over safety concerns about the reactors' cooling system in the 1970s, citing its vulnerability to severe accidents.
• Dale G. Bridenbaugh, one of the resigned engineers, stated that the updated Mark 1 design was still susceptible to accidents leading to containment loss.
• General Electric designed all six reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant and is the only builder of boiling-water-reactors in the world.
• The reactors' design is believed to be the main cause of the ongoing nuclear disaster in Japan.
• Military publicist Vladislav Shurygin from Russian newspaper Zavtra has called the disaster an "American nuclear disaster".

Statistics:

• At least 35 years ago, General Electric employees raised concerns about the reliability of its water-cooled nuclear reactors.
• Three GE employees resigned over safety concerns about the reactors' cooling system.
• Over 6 reactors at the Fukushima nuclear power plant were designed by General Electric.
• General Electric is the only builder of boiling-water-reactors in the world.
• The ongoing nuclear disaster in Japan has severe implications for the environment and public health

Sources:

• ABC News
• General Electric
• Dal G. Bridenbaugh (resigned engineer)
• Vladislav Shurygin (military publicist from Russian newspaper Zavtra)