Pollutant emissions from nuclear reactors during normal operation and releases caused by accidents

The emission of radioactive substances from German nuclear reactors during normal operation has further decreased despite the strong increase in electricity production from nuclear energy. Except for tritium and radioactive carbon emissions the characteristic quantities for emissions per kilowatt hour have been reduced by at least one decimal power during the last decade. Radiation exposure caused by emissions amounts to 0.1 to 1% of natural radiation exposure. The emission values are also low internationally. The permissible annual emission limit values have not been exceeded with the exception of the case of Lingen in 1969. There have been small releases during unusual occurrences in German nuclear reactors, but their radiological effects were only minor, and the limit values applicable to normal operation were not reached. (orig.)