12.196. Numerous changes have been made to the remaining RBMKs in the former Soviet Union to improve their safety. These include reducing the void reactivity coefficient by adding fixed absorbers to the core, in­creasing the fuel enrichment from 2.0 percent to 2.4 percent, adding 24 fast-acting shutdown rods, and modifying the control rod design. The new core physics characteristics are claimed to make the potential for prompt criticality extraordinarily low for all design-basis accidents [39]. The need for improved management controls, operator training, and discipline was also recognized. Since some of the radiation released in the accident af­fected the food chain in other countries, it became clear that there was a need for better international cooperation in exchanging information, de­veloping standards, and other safety-related matters. The Chernobyl ac­cident provided few technical lessons applicable to U. S. LWRs since their design is so different. Also, many institutional improvements had already been made as a result of the Three Mile Island experience. Emergency response to the Chernobyl accident provides useful data applicable to all reactor operations. In very many ways, the Chernobyl accident provided lessons and experiences that improve nuclear power safety. Unfortunately, it also served to reinforce the fears of nuclear reactors held by many members of the public.