Radiation Dose Analysis of a PWR 1 Accident for the Projected Reactor Site at Cementon, New York,

Abstract

This study is an evaluation of a pressurized-water reactor (PWR) accident as defined by WASH 1400 for the proposed nuclear reactor site at Cementon, N. Y. Using an extension of the Environmental Protection Agency's AIREM computer code, the following were analyzed for up to 50 miles for 16 compass direction: (1) whole body doses due to cloud submersion, inhalation and ground deposition; and (2) thyroid, lung, and gastrointestinal tract doses due to inhalation. In addition, a model was developed to simulate population evacuation up to both 10 and 50 miles and again determine doses. Subsequently, the nuclide concentration in drinking water, milk, and fish in the area of interest is examined, as well as doses due to swimming in a nearby contaminated lake. Iodine 131 is the isotope of concern, being the major contributor to the inhalation dose which itself contributes 60% of the total dose received in this instance. Evacuation, a significant mode of dose reduction, is examined. An alternate plan of seeking shelter in the event of an accident is suggested because at close proximities to the site, the average winds would be expected to carry the radioactive cloud downwind much too quickly to permit successful evacuation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1976
Accession Number
ADA052681

Entities

People

  • John D. Huncharek

Organizations

  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accidents
  • Cold Water
  • Computers
  • Environmental Protection
  • Fresh Water
  • Gamma Rays
  • Groundwater
  • New York
  • Nuclear Power Plants
  • Nuclear Reactors
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Radioactive Decay
  • Radioactive Materials
  • Radioactivity
  • Reactor Accidents
  • Water Purification
  • Water Supplies

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Nuclear Civil Defense.
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.