Nuclear power: accidental releases – principles of public health action: report on a WHO meeting, Brussels, 23–27 November 1981

Abstract

The widespread use of radiation makes it imperative to know how to protect the public from accidents which, though unlikely, have been known to happen. This book gives guidance to national authorities on how to deal with unexpected events or situations in nuclear plants that have the potential to release radioactive materials into the environment in excess of the authorized limits. The guiding principles presented are based on the philosophy developed by bodies such as the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The emergency countermeasures to be taken are described and their effects, both good and bad, discussed. The advisability of taking these countermeasures must be weighed against these effects and will also depend on the source and timing of the radioactive releases. The report also deals with the main parameters involved in decision-making and how to define and fix the reference levels that will prompt the introduction of emergency measures. This is an important book for all those involved in safety issues in nuclear plants, both in the plants themselves and in the local authorities responsible for public health. The response to a given accident, and particularly the selection of specific countermeasures and the timing of their implementation, will depend heavily on the specific situation, including the nature of the accident, the geography of the area and the weather conditions at the time. This book has deliberately maintained flexibility in the recommendations it makes so that it will be of maximum use under the widest possible circumstances.