Radiological impact estimation of Bohunice nuclear power plants operation

A method for risk and health detriment assessment is described, as used for evaluating the impact of operation of the nuclear power plants at Jaslovske Bohunice. Characteristics of radioactivity release from the A-1, V-1 and V-2 plants into the air and hydrosphere are given for the 1985 to 1988 period, as are data characterizing the surroundings and environmental uses. Calculations give evidence that the risk to the critical population group (infants) did not exceed the value of 1.14 x 10-7. This risk was mainly (58-82%) contributed to by low-level liquid waste discharge from the A-1 plant, which at present is being decommissioned. The overall health detriment from radioactive effluents, as assessed based on the collective dose equivalent, was very low over the period considered; actually, it was lower than 1 severe health damage case. From this point of view the 14C leak from the V-1 and V-2 nuclear power plants is decisive. Data on the potential leak of 129I are not known, but the overall health damage risk would not become statistically significant even if this leak were taken into account. (Z.M.). 3 figs., 6 tabs., 10 refs