Long-term investigation of environmental radioactivity levels and public health around the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, China

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of the Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant (Qinshan NPP) in normal operation on the surrounding environment and population, the radioactivity levels of drinking water and the ambient environment, as well as the residents’ cancer incidence, were continuously monitored for a period of 9 years (2012–2020). All of the gross α and β radioactivity concentrations in drinking water were less than the WHO recommended values (0.5 Bq/L for gross α and 1 Bq/L for gross β). The results of ambient environment accumulated dose monitored by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) indicated that the ambient environment radioactive level around the Qinshan NPP is consistently at natural background radiation levels. The age-dependent annual effective doses due to the ingestion of tap water or exposure to the outdoor ambient environment are lower than the reference dose of 0.1 mSv/year. The corresponding excess risks are at relatively low levels. Thus, the consumption of drinking water and outdoor activities are not expected to give rise to any detectable adverse effects on the health of the public around the Qinshan NPP. For all cancers combined, the age-standardized incidence rate by the Chinese 2000 standard population of the inhabitants living around Qinshan NPP is consistent with that of Zhejiang Province as a whole. Based on current radiation risk estimates, radiation exposure is not a plausible explanation for any excess cancers observed in the vicinity of the Qinshan NPP.