1.   But the sturdy cases that held the plutonium withstood the blows, as designed, space officials said, and no plutonium was released.

2.   For each phase, NASA has estimated the odds of a serious accident that would release plutonium and hurt people.

3.   Britain no longer releases plutonium into the ocean from the plant, but the Nordic countries have repeatedly demanded that London stop other radioactive emissions from the plant.

4.   The citation claimed plutonium was released when a worker disturbed a loose connection in an airtight device that allows workers to handle hazardous materials without being exposed to radiation.

5.   According to the United States, the procedure could release enough plutonium for at least four nuclear bombs.