Radioactivity levels pose no health risk, report finds

The levels of radioactivity found in Irish air, water and milk over the two-year period between 1994 and 1996 are not a cause for health concerns, according to a report by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland (RPII).

The RPII has noted, nonetheless, "steady increases" in the levels of a radioactive gas which can emanate from nuclear facilities, particularly reprocessing plants at Sellafield in Britain and La Hague in France.

Current levels of krypton-85 do not pose a health risk but it warns that the gas will be discharged in increasing quantities from Sellafield as the THORP reprocessing plant moves towards full operation. "The institute will continue to monitor its levels closely," its assistant chief executive, Mr John D. Cunningham, said.

The report complements others from the RPII which include the results of monitoring of radioactivity in the Irish marine environment, particularly the Irish Sea because of its proximity to Sellafield.

It includes measurements of radiation levels at 13 automatic air-monitoring stations around the State which are an integral part of Ireland's national emergency plan for nuclear accidents. It is designed to provide a rapid and effective response to an accident at a nuclear installation.

The increased levels of krypton85, an inert radionuclide which is generally increasing in the northern hemisphere, were particularly noticeable when measured at the RPII's laboratory in Clonskeagh, Dublin.

Commenting on the overall findings, Dr Cunningham said: "No levels of radioactivity which would give rise to significant concern were detected during the monitoring programme. The results give assurance that radioactivity in air, drinking water or milk does not give cause for concern on health grounds."

No abnormal readings were observed during the reporting period for gamma radiation dose rate, radioactivity in airborne particles or radioactivity in water. The RPII recommend, however, that more monitoring of natural radioactivity in drinking water be undertaken because of significant variations between samples it tested during 1994-1996.