The radiological impact on the Rhine-Meuse region from normal operation of nuclear facilities

An assessment has been made of the future radiological impact on the population in the Rhine-Meuse Region from normal operation of nuclear facilities. The nuclear facilities considered are those assumed to be located in the region in the year 2000 with a total electric power production of approximately 55 GWe. In addition, the facilities located in the immediate vicinity which contribute to the radiological impact via the air pathway are also considered. Release rates used in the assessment for facilities which have been operating for some time were obtained from previous measurements. For recent or non-operating facilities, expected values of release rates were used. Nineteen relevant radionuclides were considered and the impact via all relevant exposure pathways was assessed. The predicted dose rates were calculated for eight organs and the whole body for four age groups. The results are presented as individual dose rates, dose rate distribution functions and collective dose rates. The predicted mean value of the radiological impact due to nuclear facilities located in the Rhine-Meuse Region represents approximately 0.02% of the total radiation impact, and the additional impact due to nuclear technology worldwide is approximately 0.01% of the total impact. (author)