NUCLEAR-POWER IN EUROPE AND ITS RADIOLOGI CAL CONSEQUENCES

The use of nuclear power in Europe has no radiological consequences fo r the public. There have been no major accidental releases, and radioa ctive emissions in normal operation are absolutely irrelevant, as they are a thousand times lower than the natural radiation exposure. While the absence of any noxious emissions in normal operation is the stron g point of nuclear power, the potential emissions it can cause in majo r accidents are a source of general concern. Consequently, protecting against such accidents is a key issue. Opinions differ about the conce pts of absolute safety or sufficient safety. However, it seems irratio nal that the use of nuclear power should be discontinued where nuclear technology has attained a high safety level, and should be left to it s own devices, unprotected, where it is a threat even now.