Atomic semiotics

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Atomic semiotics
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Atomic semiotics (or nuclear semiotics) is an interdisciplinary field of semiotics which studies potential uses of long-term nuclear waste warning messages. It is concerned with labelling radioactive waste to deter human intrusion at nuclear waste repositories in the far future.

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Entrance of Yucca Mountain
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Currently used warning sign for Radioactivity, W05: "Warning of radioactive substances or ionizing radiation“
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ISO 21482 warning used since 2007, which is more explicit
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Elements of the message

The message must contain three elements:

  • That it is a message
  • That the substances put in a specific place are dangerous
  • Information about the kind of danger which comes from these substances

The message must also be credible. If it isn't credible it will be understood, but neglected; people will believe that this is done to protect an important treasure. These substances must be safe for 10.000s to millions of years.

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