Radioecological Assessment of the CHNPP Accident in the Western Europe and Adjacent Area, With Special Reference to the Modern Problems of Radioecology in the Mediterranean

Abstract

The impact on Western Europe of the Chernobyl accidents is assessed. In particular an evaluation of the contamination of air, soil, seawater and food with special reference to geographical and orographical situations.A simple and reliable method to evaluate the levels of 134 Cs, 137 Cs and 90 Sr in green vegetables, hay and milk on the basis of the soil deposition only is described and experimental results are given. The model appears to be rather conservative and to overestimate the contamination.The situation prior to Chernobyl with respect to regulations of radiation protection against the consequences of a major accident is considered. The development of the recommendations and regulations issued by the Commission of the European Communities for the Maximum Permitted Levels of different groups of radionuclides in foodstuffs is reviewed.The different reactions to the accident are examined and some data on the average individual effective dose equivalents estimated in a number of countries are also reported. Also the consequences of the countermeasures are discussed. Some main problems concerning the information of the public and the preparedness for possible future accidents are summarised.Finally the present status of radioecology in the Mediterranean Area is described pointing out the unjustified reduction of the efforts on the monitoring and research with a special reference to the radiation protection problems in emergency situations.

Comment on “The Role Played by Stakeholders in the Public Debate That Brought Italy Out of the Club of Nuclear Energy Producers”

“…The panic and fear in the country was immediate, and, in particular, mothers who feared to give birth to a monster performed some thousands of voluntary abortions (Cigna 2006). Contrary to the recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) and other international organizations to avoid countermeasures more dangerous than the accident itself, he prepared a decree forbidding the sale and consumption of green vegetables and milk.…”