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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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Latest News
The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
Robert J. Neuhold, John F. Marchaterre, Alan E. Waltar
Nuclear Technology | Volume 89 | Number 1 | January 1990 | Pages 83-91
Technical Paper | Nuclear Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT90-A34360
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
A new approach to achieving fast reactor safety goals is becoming apparent in the U.S. Fast Reactor Program. Whereas the “defense-in-depth” philosophy still prevails, there has been a tangible shift toward emphasizing passive mechanisms to protect the reactor and provide public safety rather than relying on addon active, engineered safety systems. Intrinsic reactivity feedback mechanisms, based on fundamental nuclear cross section and material motion changes with temperatures, combined with passive methods to assure removal of decay heat, are being quantified and included in analysis techniques to demonstrate the exceptional robustness of current advanced liquid-metal-cooled reactor designs in the United States.