THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, POPULATION HEALTH, AND DEVELOPMENT OF NUCLEAR POWER INDUSTRY

Abstract

The article describes the relationship of global environmental problems and population health with development of nuclear power industry. Atomic energy industry does not consume oxygen and emit greenhouse gases. European countries with a highly developed atomic energy industry are recognized as ecologically clean regions of Europe. World nuclear industry reduces the worldwide coal combustion by 440 million tons. In Russia, the occupational diseases are not as frequently encountered in the cities with nuclear facilities as in Russia as a whole in spite of the fact that in these cities the surveys are conducted more often and cover a greater amount of people. The exposure due to exploitation of man-made radiation sources is 0.14 %, and from nuclear power plants - 0.01 % of the total radiation dose, which is 100 times lower than the norm - 1 mSv/year. The authors have studied the influence of nuclear power industry on human health and have proved that the fears associated with risks are exaggerated. The risk-based approach speaks volumes for the nuclear power industry's advantages and safety for population health. According to sociologists, the support for atomic energy industry is constantly growing.