Abstract |
Volume I describes and evaluates new standards to limit radiation doses to the general public and quantities of long-lived radioactive materials in the general environment attributable to planned releases from operations contributing to the generation of electrical power through the uranium fuel cycle. These standards apply to milling, chemical conversion, isotopic enrichment, fuel fabrication, light-water-cooled reactors, and fuel reprocessing, but exclude mining, the transportation of radioactive materials in connection with any of these operations, and waste management operations. The standards specifically limit irreversible contamination due to releases of radioactive krypton, iodine 129, and alpha-emitting transuranics. The total reduction in potential health impact attributable to operations through the year 2000 is estimated to be in excess of 1000 cases of cancer, leukemia, and serious genetic effects in human populations. In addition maximum annual radiation doses are limited to 25 millirems to the whole body and all other organs except the thyroid, which would be limited to 75 millirems. |