Nuclear power stations and public health

Two nuclear power stations are in service in Holland, a 50 MWe BWR and a 450 MWe PWR. Three LWR's each of 1,000 MWe are also planned. Reactor accidents are of low probability but potentially very dangerous, and no generally acceptable scientific-method exists for weighing the factors involved. Risks facing the community should be assessed by representatives of that society as a whole. The report is therefore limited to the formulation of factors to make decision-making possible. Thermal effects are excluded as is the irradiation of power station staff. (D.J.B.)