Nuclear power and the public risk: TMI underscored generic human factors and safety system problems, and challenged the complex art of risk assessment

The lessons learned from the events leading to the severely damaged core at Three Mile Island's Unit 2 last March 28 point to at least three ways in which the public risk of radioactive exposure from reactors may be decreased without technological breakthroughs. According to documents of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, testimony to the President's Commission on the Accident at Three Mile Island, and almost all specialists interviewed by Spectrum, risk can be lessened by these steps: 1. Improved training for operators on how best to cope with accidents. 2. The upgrading of some reactor safety systems, components, and instruments. 3. Wider planning by utilities and state and Federal agencies on how to protect the public in a nuclear emergency.