Radiological impact on the UK population of industries which use or produce materials containing enhanced levels of naturally occurring radionuclides. Part I: coal-fired electricity generation

This report contains an assessment of the radiological impact on the UK population of coal-fired electricity generation within the UK. Predicted peak individual doses from atmospheric releases via the stack are 1.5 μSv y1 for a typical member of the hypothetical critical group and 0.1 μSv y1 for 'average' individuals living in the local area. The predicted doses to power station workers, landfill workers, and workers manufacturing and using building materials containing ash are, respectively, 10 μSv y1, 5 μSv y1, 35 μSv y1, and 13 μSv y1. The predicted radon concentration in buildings constructed from materials containing ash, originating from radionuclides within the structure, is 12 Bq m-3. The predicted dose from inhalation of radon is about 600 μSv y1. The predicted external dose to an individual living in a home constructed from building materials containing ash is about 900 μSv y1. The predicted peak individual risk from landfill disposal of ash is 4.2 10-8 y-1. Under UK legislation there are no radiological controls on the operation of coal-fired power stations, or restrictions on how waste is discharged (to the atmosphere, to landfill or being sold) which relate to its radionuclide content. With two exceptions this position seems entirely consistent with the low radiological impact of the industry as presented here, and is also consistent with developing EC guidance in this area. The principal exception to this is the use of ash in building materials where EC guidance indicates that future restrictions may be required. The other exception relates to the possibility of high levels of naturally occurring radionuclides in scales on boiler tubes, as has been found in the Netherlands. (author)