Natural radiation--a perspective to radiological risk factors of nuclear energy production.

Radiation doses from natural radiation and from man-made modifications on natural radiation, and different natural radiological environments in the Nodic countries are summarized and used as a perspective for the radiological consequences of nuclear energy production. The significance of different radiation sources can be judged against the total collective effective dose equivalent from natural radiation in the Nordic countries, 92,000 manSv per year. The collective dose from nuclear energy production during normal operation is estimated to 20 manSv per year and from non-nuclear energy production to 80 manSv per year.

Chemical and radiological risk factors associated with waste from energy production.

We have tried to estimate the toxic potential of waste from nuclear power plants and from power plants burning fossil fuels. The potential risks have been expressed as 'risk potentials' or 'person equivalents.' These are purely theoretical units and represent only an attempt to quantify the potential impact of different sources and substances on human health.

Radiological and legal aspects of energy production by burning peat.

Peat burning is planned as one of the future sources for heat production in Sweden. At the end of 1983, results of some investigations on peat ashes indicated enhanced uranium contents. Recent measurements on peat areas have shown external gamma radiation dose rates up to 10 microGy/h and samples of dried peat have shown a radium content up to 3.