Airborne Radioactive Discharges and Human and Environmental Health Effects (Second Edition)

Across the world we are seeing a resurgence in new nuclear including both large traditional plants and Small / Advanced Nuclear Reactors (SMRs / AMRs) as a key part of tackling the climate crisis. The scale of the new build ambitions, coupled with increasing demand throughout the nuclear fuel cycle and high average age of the existing qualified and experienced workforce has created a concern of further skills gaps. One of the key 'skills' gaps relates to the field of radiological protection in particular modelling and measuring doses accrued by the public under both normal operational discharges and accident scenarios, along with the increasing importance on understanding the wider impacts to the environment. This book is an essential introduction to basic principles of radiation protection, aerosol physics and the impacts of radioactive discharges to both humans and the environment (flora and fauna). Also discussed are the specific difficulties with the monitoring and the health detriment associated with the more mobile and problematic radionuclides.

The book is aimed at those with an undergraduate degree in the sciences, whether they are entering a field of work related to radioactivity and health or in the environment or starting further advanced study. It will provide a useful introduction to the science behind radioactivity and radioactive discharges, along with an insight into risks of radioactive discharges.