No Immediate Danger?: Prognosis for a Radioactive Earth

Donavon L. Porter is a public-school teacher in Haileybury, Ontario.

Bertell traces the history of the nuclear industry from its early beginnings through the accelerated development during World War II and to its present-day form. Along the way, deception, deceit, and willful manipulation of an uninformed public is uncovered. Bertell looks behind the comforting jargon of the nuclear industry apologists and reveals the true repercussions of the decision to pursue the nuclear option, come what may. It is what may come that is truly disturbing.

Having documented the development of the industry, Bertell is able to show that the rosy and upbeat facade of the industry is showing cracks. Problems that have long been ignored — particularly waste disposal and long-term health implications — are forcing their way into the public eye. The excuses, cover-ups, and intentional manipulation of research data can no longer hide the true costs of the nuclear options. As more and more people become alarmed by what they see and know to be true, the opportunity for change begins to develop.

Bertell has produced a very timely and comprehensive analysis of the nuclear industry. The book is well written, with good research and data to back up the author’s analysis of the issues. Her findings are disturbing and she has been careful to document and substantiate her arguments. The book is at times gripping and even the statistics, which could otherwise be dry reading, are presented in a meaningful and readable manner. This book is a must for those who love this planet.