Assessment of annual emissions of 14C isotopes at nuclear power plants and their impact on the radiation dose of the population and plants

Abstract

The necessity of controlling emissions of carbon – 14 (14C) isotope into the atmosphere during the operation of a nuclear power plant is substantiated. It is determined that the main negative effect of the carbon isotope 14C has on humans and animals. Plants are less susceptible to this influence. A method for measuring the emission into the atmosphere of 14C is proposed. The analysis of various studies on the amount of 14C emissions at various nuclear power plants was carried out. The calculation of the amount of carbon isotope 14C is performed. The annual radiation dose of the population from the release of 14C was estimated. Various options for reducing the amount of 14C in emissions at nuclear power plants are considered.