Present situation of environmental safety research in JAERI

The status of the environmental safety research in Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute and three research works particularly are described. The environmental safety research in JAERI started with its establishment, and has advanced steadily. The results have been incorporated in the environmental radiation monitoring systems for nuclear power stations in Japan and further adopted in the technical guidelines for reactor safety examination, etc. in Japan. The characteristic is that the Division of Environmental Safety Research of JAERI also carries out the studies on radioactive waste treatment. The three research works are (1) the research on the move of radioactivity released into environment, (2) the measurement and evaluation of environmental radiation, and (3) the measurement and evaluation of radionuclides existing in the environment. The purpose of these three mutually related researches is to evaluate the effect of each phase of nuclear fuel cycle on environment, leading eventually to the assessment of radiation exposure dose of people. (J.P.N.)