Publication Abstract

Public radiation exposure due to radioactive waste discharges to the Irish Sea

G.J. Hunt

The objectives of the MAFF programme of surveillance of public radiation exposures in relation to the aquatic environment are described. The results of that part of the programme concerned with the important exposure pathways due to discharges of liquid wastes to the Irish Sea, mainly from Sellafield, are summarised; reference is made to both individual and collective dose. Trends in radiation exposures as a result of decreases in discharges from Sellafield are reviewed and a contrast is drawn between the time-dependent behaviour of the contribution due to ¹³⁷Cs and that due to plutonium. Predictions of future doses are discussed. From the data available on doses to critical groups and collective doses, the distributions of doses amongst the public are examined both for fish and shellfish consumption and external exposure. Salient features of these distributions are pointed out and the limitations of data currently available when applied for this purpose are highlighted.

Reference:

G.J. Hunt, 1991. Public radiation exposure due to radioactive waste discharges to the Irish Sea. Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 36(2/4): 205-210.