Control decisions for 3H, 14C, 85Kr, and 129I released from the commercial fuel cycle

The effects of complete release of 3H, 14C, 85Kr and 129I from operating a 400-GWe fuel cycle for 100 years are shown. The postulated accrued health effects (HE) from 14C and 129I appear large; however, these numbers are insignificant when compared to the 176 billion cancer deaths that would occur from all causes in the 10,000-year reference period. The percent increase in global cancer deaths would be no greater than 5 x 10-5% for each of the radionuclides. Based on the 1980 inventory of each radionuclide in the environment, complete release for 100 years from a 400-GWe fuel cycle would not increase the 3H or 14C inventories, however, large increases in 85Kr and 129I inventories would occur. The effects, besides dose impacts, of large increases in inventory are unknown and serve only as warning flags that should be taken into consideration. Only 129I releases from a fuel reprocessing plant would exceed the allowable maximum exposed individual dose limit and 85Kr and 129I would exceed the allowable release limit. The effects of controlled releases from commercial fuel reprocessing plants serving a 400-GWe fuel cycle for 100 years are also shown