Comparative risk assessment of the health and environmental impacts of various energy systems

Abstract

Comparative risk assessment is an interdisciplinary field, encompassing such areas as engineering, environment, health and social sciences. Its aim is to compare various types of risk, and to establish a rational and 'risk acceptable' technological – environmental policy. This paper highlights methodological issues involved in dealing with various types of data and the use of appropriate databases in comparative risk assessment for normal and accidental operational conditions. Special reference is made to an IAEA project (DECADES) for comparative assessment of different energy sources for electricity generation.