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

J Radiol Prot. 2011 Dec;31(4):411-30. doi: 10.1088/0952-4746/31/4/002. Epub 2011 Nov 17.

Abstract

Many countries have a programme for developing an underground geological disposal facility for radioactive waste. A case study is provided herein on the illustrative assessment of human health issues arising from the potential release of chemotoxic and radioactive substances from a generic geological disposal facility (GDF) for radioactive waste. The illustrative assessment uses a source-pathway-receptor methodology and considers a number of human exposure pathways. Estimated exposures are compared with authoritative toxicological assessment criteria. The possibility of additive and synergistic effects resulting from exposures to mixtures of chemical contaminants or a combination of radiotoxic and chemotoxic substances is considered. The case study provides an illustration of how to assess human health issues arising from chemotoxic species released from a GDF for radioactive waste and highlights potential difficulties associated with a lack of data being available with which to assess synergistic effects. It also highlights how such difficulties can be addressed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Radiation Dosage
  • Radiation Injuries / prevention & control*
  • Radiation Monitoring / methods*
  • Radioactive Hazard Release / prevention & control*
  • Radioactive Waste / analysis*
  • Radioactive Waste / prevention & control*
  • Refuse Disposal / methods*
  • Risk Assessment / methods

Substances

  • Radioactive Waste