Safety of nuclear power

The main questions related to nuclear power development concern effects of small radiation doses typical for the operation of nuclear power plants (NPPs) and hazards of NPP accidents. The last decade has brought many results of large scale epidemiological studies indicating that there are no detrimental effects of low radiation doses. On the contrary, many results indicate that among the people receiving increased radiation doses the frequency of cancer mortality is reduced. The review shows that such results are obtained in the studies of people living in high background radiation areas, of workers exposed to ionizing radiation and of patients exposed to radiation for diagnostic purposes. The latest studies in molecular biology suggest an explanation for possible beneficial effects of low radiation doses. This is reflected in the statements of several scientific bodies and international organizations, although the official regulations remain unchanged. The other important issue is the safety of NPPs in case of accidents. Reasons for the Chernobyl accident are shown not to be applicable to the reactors planned for Poland and the effects of Chernobyl are shown to be much smaller than feared in original estimates after the accident. Polish NPPs will satisfy the requirements of EU utilities and will provide safety for the population even in case of hypothetical severe accidents. Nevertheless, discussion with antinuclear organizations must be expected, although the recent examples of changing attitudes of leading ecological authorities show that nuclear power is gaining recognition as a clean and environmentally friendly source of energy.