Research: Nuclear emergencies: information for the public

The Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR) aim to establish a framework for the protection of members of the public and workers from and in the event of radiation emergencies that originate from premises.

The regulations ensure that members of the public are provided with information both before and during an emergency, so that they are properly informed and prepared, in advance, about what they need to do in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency occurring.

This booklet is intended to support local authorities in the provision of information to the public by providing background information on radiation and health. It is recommended that the contents of this booklet are read together with other local guidance provided.

Nuclear licensed sites are designed, built and operated so that the chance of an emergency and any release is very low. Emergencies have occurred however, notably at Windscale (UK) in 1957, Three Mile Island (US) in 1979, Chernobyl (Ukraine) in 1986 and Fukushima (Japan) in 2011.

Legislation requires operators of nuclear licensed sites to have plans to deal with emergencies.

Weather conditions at the time of release are an important factor determining the affected areas as the radioactive material is carried down wind, spreading out and depositing on the ground and other surfaces as it goes.

People may be exposed to radioactivity released during an emergency in the following ways:

Radioactive material is carried by the wind. Rain washes material out of the air. Direct radiation comes from radioactive deposits on surfaces. Radioactive materials can also be breathed in or ingested when eating contaminated food.