The comparative hazards of chemicals and radioactive waste

In considering the environmental impact of radioactive waste it is necessary to consider many issues, such as the properties and composition of the waste, the properties of the surrounding geosphere and the biosphere. This paper does not attempt to represent such a complete calculation of the eventual effects of radioactive waste disposal but uses the concept of inherent waste toxicity. In order to compare the potential hazards from radioactive waste and from other substances, commonly found in the environment, it is necessary to express both in similar units. However, the 'toxic potential' indices, which are discussed below, are merely numbers which express the total biological hazard that could arise from the complete dispersion, in air or water, of the substances concerned. This is not the same as an estimate of actual risk, which can only be arrived at by following the potential pathways to man in detail and estimating the quantities possibly ingested by a critical group. (author)