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Possible toxic effects from nuclear reprocessing plants at Sellafield (UK) and Cap de la Hague (Fr). First contribution to scientific debate (2001)

Auteur	STOA, WISE Paris
	6-01-4-60-40.pdf
Datum	november 2001
Classificatie	6.01.4.60/40 (STRALING - GEVOLGEN - ROND INSTALLATIES)
Voorkant

POSSIBLE TOXIC EFFECTS FROM THE NUCLEAR REPROCESSING PLANTS AT SELLAFIELD
AND CAP DE LA HAGUE

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND GENERAL CONCLUSIONS

1. Introduction

The principal aim of this report is to assist the Committee of Petitions of the European
Parliament in its consideration of Petition 393/95 brought by Dr. W. Nachtwey. The
Petition expresses concerns about radioactive discharges from nuclear reprocessing
plants at Sellafield in the UK and La Hague in France, and their possible adverse
health effects. Six years after the Petition was introduced, the Petitioner's main
concerns remain relevant. This report concludes that reprocessing discharges are
avalid matter for the Committee's consideration. It also concludes that, on balance,
the Petitioner's concerns over radioactive discharges from Sellafield and La Hague
are justified.

The report presents evidence and data on:

• radioactive discharges from the Sellafield and La Hague sites;
• resulting nuclide concentrations in environmental media including foodstuffs;
• radiation doses from nuclide discharges to critical groups near the sites;
• adverse health effects near the two sites; and
• resulting collective doses from nuclide discharges.

The report also examines a number of current issues in radiobiology concerning
health effects from exposure to ionising radiation, in particular genetic and in
utero effects.

In addition, in accordance with contract specifications, the report examines other
major factors that might influence future decision-making on reprocessing. It
provides information on the legal framework, the operational history of the plants
and the economic case for reprocessing compared with available alternatives for
spent nuclear fuel management. The report also makes policy-related
recommendations that take into account current knowledge and uncertainties
in risk assessment and the availability of alternatives to reprocessing in spent
fuel management