Population exposure owing to a borax accident in the Tammuz 2 nuclear reactor

Abstract

The radiological consequences on the population of a borax accident in 1994 in the Tammuz 2 nuclear reactor have been postulated. Dose equivalents resulting from the atmospheric release of radionuclides during the accident have been estimated for distances ranging from the exclusion zone to 100km from the reactor. Gamma submersion, beta submersion doses from the plume, inhalation doses and surface exposure doses have been estimated for various exposure times. Dose equivalents estimated for the site boundary for an exposure time of 24 hours were 1.42 − 10mSv. Accordingly, it seemed that the consequences of the accident on the population living around Tuwaitha site could only take the form of stochastic radiation, such as the induction of cancers, and heredity.