Publication Laka-library:
Livre Blanc Tritium. Mise à jour du 20 janvier 2026 asnr.fr: Groupes de réflexion menés de mai 2008 à avril 2010 sous l’égide de l’ASN et Bilan annuel des rejets de tritium pour les installations nucléaires de base de 2019 à 2023 (2026)
| Author | ASN |
 |
6-01-3-10-82.pdf |
| Date | January 2026 |
| Classification | 6.01.3.10/82 (NUCLEAR SAFETY - REACTORS - GENERAL) |
| Remarks | TRITIUM WHITE PAPER Updated January 20, 2026 asnr.fr Focus groups conducted from May 2008 to April 2010 under the auspices of the ASN and Annual assessment of tritium releases for basic nuclear facilities from 2019 to 2023 |
| Front |
From the publication:
Context Tritium is a hydrogen isotope that is a low-energy beta emitter (mean energy 5.7 keV). The most commonly-found form in the biosphere is tritiated water and the dominant exposure route is ingestion. The radiotoxicity of tritium is low. The overall impact of tritium releases in France is also low, with an annual effective dose of roughly one µSv or less for the reference groups. Radioactive releases in the environment around civilian nuclear facilities have significantly decreased over the last few decades, with the exception of tritium. Discharges of this element are forecast to increase due to expected changes in the fuel management methods used by tne NPP, and also due to new tritium-emitting facilities, including new power plants that are to be built, and the ITER project. In late 2007, papers published in the UK (RIFE 11 report, study by the HPA’s Advisory Group on Ionising Radiation (AGIR)) raised questions as to the behaviour of tritium in the environment, in particular focusing on potential accumulation in organisms of organically bound tritium (OBT) from tritium released into the environment and on methods for assessing the biological impact of tritium in humans. Given this context, ASN wanted to get a clear analysis of the existing studies into the issue and in early 2008 decided to establish two broad working groups, chaired by Dr Patrick Smeesters of the Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (AFCN) and Mr Roland Masse of the Académie des technologies. The groups were formed of experts (from the CEA, CNRS, GSIEN, Institut Curie, IRSN, universities and European Commission “Article 31” experts), representatives of operators (ANDRA, AREVA, CEA, EDF and ITER), associations (ANCCLI, ACRO and CLI) and safety authorities (ASN, DSND). Their findings and recommendations were submitted in early April 2010. The ASN is pleased with the high quality of the work and the large bibliography provided, which have led to the recommendations issued at the end of each group’s summary. The studies highlight the small impact that tritium releases have in France. However, they do also show the need to carry out further study and research in order to supplement current data and knowledge on the behaviour of tritium in the environment. The ASN has drawn up its action plan on the basis of the recommendations made by the two working groups. It also hopes that research bodies take into account the requests made by the working groups, as described in the summary of work and recommendations.