Environmental radioactivity

An assessment of the impact of the radioactivity released by the civil nuclear industry is very difficult as many scientific disciplines are involved. The radioactive releases allowable in normal operating conditions contribute only 0.1% compared to the naturally occurring levels in the environment. The statistical effects of such a small incremental exposure are swamped by many other factors. It is concluded that current practice and regulations are based on an overestimate of any harm there may be due to man-made emissions, a sense of proportion is therefore desirable. (UK)