New method of techno-economic analysis of radiation impact for nuclear industry

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new methodology for cost estimation of health risks from ionizing radiation in the nuclear industry, considering debates around the traditional Linear No-Threshold model.

Contribution

It proposes a novel approach to techno-economic analysis of radiation impact, addressing limitations of existing models based on the LNT hypothesis.

Findings

New cost estimation methodology for radiation health risks

Addresses limitations of Linear No-Threshold model

Provides a more comprehensive risk assessment framework

Abstract

Bearing in mind physical and social aspects, health issues connected with operation of nuclear facilities are under continuous control of national and international regulatory institutions. The main purpose of doing so is to reduce risk of ionizing radiation on human health. Under standard operation of any controlled nuclear facility, direct injuries connected by nonstochastic effects of ionizing radiation, such as Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) are theoretically possible only if health and safety measures are violated. On the other hand, the stochastic effect of radiation may cause tumors with increasing probability of received radioactive dose. Nuclear facilities such as nuclear power plants use certain formulas to calculate the cost of potential health damage caused by ionizing radiation. These formulas are derived according to Linear No-Threshold Relationship between the dose and cancer risk. However, this Linear No-Threshold relationship (LNT) is becoming debatable with new radiological research. Therefore, a new methodology of cost estimation of health risks induced by ionizing radiation is introduced in this paper.