Carbon-14 discharges from the nuclear fuel cycle: 1. Global effects

Abstract

The radiological impact of 14C produced by the nuclear fuel cycle is assessed using an advanced 25-box model of the carbon cycle coupled with a range of feasible energy-use scenarios. In particular, this study estimates both the short- and long-term dose implications to the global population. In the former context, it is predicted that the atmospheric 14C specific activity in the year 2050 will be 234 Bq kg −1 (carbon), corresponding to delivery of an individual effective dose equivalent rate of 15 μSv year −1. The contribution of reactor-derived 14C to the individual dose rate increases steadily throughout this period, reaching 1·8 μSv year −1 in 2050, well within ICRP limits. In the longer term, however, the collective effective dose equivalent commitment is conservatively estimated at 141 man Sv TBq −1, corresponding to 480 man Sv (GW(e) year) −1. These figures indicate that 14C could generate one of the largest contributions to the total dose to man from nuclear power production.