[CyberAnt]

I hope somebody can explain what that "waste material" can or cannot do. I don't believe it can cause any explosions, but I'm wondering if it can cause radiation sickness or other icky stuff ..?? Anybody know ..??

[Poohbah]

I hope somebody can explain what that "waste material" can or cannot do. I don't believe it can cause any explosions, but I'm wondering if it can cause radiation sickness or other icky stuff ..?? Anybody know ..??

High-level waste (i.e., stuff that emits heavily) can cause radiation sickness.

Low-level waste is likely to give you cancer in 20 years or cause you to have FLKs.

FLKs = Funny-Looking Kids. Also known as NFN (Normal For NorfolkP).

[No Blue States]

From what ive read it will make people sick and kill some.
It will also make the area at ground zero uninhabitable for a long time.

[Beck_isright]

From my understanding, it depends on the material, etc. It could contiminate several blocks in an urban area for years...

[Lazamataz]

I hope somebody can explain what that "waste material" can or cannot do. I don't believe it can cause any explosions, but I'm wondering if it can cause radiation sickness or other icky stuff ..?? Anybody know ..??

It has two main uses: Use one -- It can be used to deny access to an area for decades. Blow up a bomb composed of these materials in downtown Manhattan and the common man wouldn't want to set foot in the area for decades. Increased risk of cancer, etc. etc. etc.

Use two relates to use one -- it is a psychological weapon. People don't understand nuclear science. Even if the level of contamination was miniscule -- and if there was no realistic threat to health -- people would avoid the area like a real nuclear bomb had been detonated.