I am grateful to Jan de Groot, who read the manuscript and, in doing so, made useful suggestions. Jan is the retired Head of Akzo Nobel's Safety Laboratory.

I am also grateful to retired professor Ad Verkooijen, who read Chapter 10 titled “Nuclear Power Stations”. His comments enabled me to improve its contents.

Thanks are also due to many people providing information and figures. Their help was invaluable. Most people are open and supportive.

I am greatly indebted to my wife, Annechien, for her constant encouragement and patience.