Illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release of chemotoxic substances from a generic geological disposal facility for radioactive waste

Wilson, J. C.; Thorne, M C; Towler, George; Norris, Simon

doi:10.1088/0952-4746/31/4/002

Cited by 5 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 7 publications

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“…This assumption is unlikely to be correct; field observations often show higher rates of adverse effects than laboratory experiments under the similar levels of radiation exposure (Garnier-Laplace et al 2013). Synergistic effects with other stressors are likely (Leenhouts and Chadwick 1978;Borek et al 1986;Mothersill et al 2007;Manti and D'Arco 2010;Wilson et al 2011;Miron and Ast ar astoae 2014;Mothersill and Seymour 2014). Thus, too much focus on reductionist and theoretical approaches that are limited to "radiation effects" is not recommended, at least in this immature stage of pollution biology.…”

Section: Second Lesson: Study Fukushima Not Radiation Alonementioning

confidence: 99%

Fukushima's lessons from the blue butterfly: A risk assessment of the human living environment in the post-Fukushima era

Otaki

2016

Integr Environ Assess Manag

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A series of studies on the pale grass blue butterfly that were carried out to assess the biological effects of the Fukushima nuclear accident teach 3 important lessons. First, it is necessary to have an environmental indicator species, such as the pale grass blue butterfly in Japan, that is common (not endangered), shares a living environment (air, water, and soil) with humans, and is amenable to laboratory experiments. The monitoring of such indicator species before and immediately after a nuclear accident likely reflects acute impacts caused by initial exposure. To assess transgenerational and chronic effects, continuous monitoring over time is encouraged. Second, it is important to understand the actual health status of a polluted region and comprehend the whole picture of the pollution impacts, rather than focusing on the selected effects of radiation alone. In our butterfly experiments, plant leaves from Fukushima were fed to larval butterflies to access whole-body effects, focusing on survival rate and morphological abnormalities (rather than focusing on a specific disease or biochemical marker). Our results revealed that ionizing radiation is unlikely to be the exclusive source of environmental disturbances. Airborne particulate matter from a nuclear reactor, regardless of its radioactivity, is likely equally important. Finally, our butterfly experiments demonstrate that there is considerable variation in sensitivities to nuclear pollution within a single species or even within a local population. Based on these results, it is speculated that high pollution sensitivity in humans may be caused not only by low levels of functional DNA repair enzymes but also by immunological responses to particulate matter in the respiratory tract. These lessons from the pale grass blue butterfly should be integrated in studying future nuclear pollution events and decision making on nuclear and environmental policies at the local and international levels in the postFukushima era. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:667-672. © 2016 SETAC.

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Section: Second Lesson: Study Fukushima Not Radiation Alonementioning

confidence: 99%

Fukushima's lessons from the blue butterfly: A risk assessment of the human living environment in the post-Fukushima era

Otaki

2016

Integr Environ Assess Manag

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“…That model was also adapted to calculate concentrations of chemically toxic contaminants in environmental media (Wilson et al, 2011). The dynamic form of the mathematical model has now been implemented in GoldSim (GoldSim Technology Group, 2010) which is the simulation package NDA RWMD have adopted for the majority of the top level model calculations.…”

Section: Approach To Biosphere Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A spreadsheet-based model was initially adopted for representing the biosphere processes with the calculations carried out at equilibrium for an indefinitely maintained input radionuclide flux or concentration (Thorne, 2007). That model was also adapted to calculate concentrations of chemically toxic contaminants in environmental media (Wilson et al, 2011). The dynamic form of the mathematical model has now been implemented in GoldSim (GoldSim Technology Group, 2010) which is the simulation package NDA RWMD have adopted for the majority of the top level model calculations.…”

Section: Approach To Biosphere Modellingmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Representation of the biosphere in post-closure assessments for the UK geological disposal programme

Kowe¹,

Norris²

2012

Mineral. mag.

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This paper gives an overview of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Radioactive Waste Management Directorate approach to representing the biosphere in post-closure safety assessment studies. The assessments consider potential releases of radionuclides and chemically toxic substances from a geological disposal facility that may reach the biosphere by transport in groundwater and gas. It gives an outline of the key processes and understanding underpinning the representation of the biosphere and how the biosphere may evolve over the long timescales of relevance to post-closure safety. The current biosphere assessment approach and associated models are supported by research studies and collaboration that ensure they are consistent with international recommendations. Research studies are also commissioned to reduce uncertainty surrounding key contaminants and potential exposure pathways and to help ensure that the approach and models are adaptable and flexible enough to incorporate future developments, as the geological disposal programme moves towards site selection.

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“…Foodstuffs 245 but more specifically water can become contaminated not only as a result of fall-out from nuclear accidents, but also from natural sources, the proximity to nuclear waste storage facilities 246,247 or to old uranium mines. 248 Polonium-210 249 and caesium-137 have been measured in fishes, 250 dolphins, 251 algae, 252 and creatures from the ocean depths.…”

Section: Food Drink and Airmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiochemistry

Urch

2012

Annu. Rep. Prog. Chem., Sect. A: Inorg. Chem.

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Illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release of chemotoxic substances from a generic geological disposal facility for radioactive waste

Cited by 5 publications

References 7 publications

Fukushima's lessons from the blue butterfly: A risk assessment of the human living environment in the post-Fukushima era

Fukushima's lessons from the blue butterfly: A risk assessment of the human living environment in the post-Fukushima era

Representation of the biosphere in post-closure assessments for the UK geological disposal programme

Radiochemistry

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