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BOOKLET to Provide Basic Information Regarding Health Effects of Radiation (3rd edition)

Effects of Reactor Accidents

Effects of Reactor Accidents_Figure

If an emergency happens in a nuclear facility and radioactive gas leaks, it flows into the atmosphere in a state called "plume." Plumes contain radioactive noble gases and aerosols (micro liquid droplets and particles), such as radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium.

When a plume passes overhead, people under it are externally exposed to radiation from radioactive materials contained therein. Additionally, people who inhale radioactive materials contained in the plume are also internally exposed to radiation.

Radioactive noble gases (krypton, xenon) are not deposited on the ground, and even if they enter the human body through inhalation, they do not remain in the body. However, aerosols, such as radioactive iodine and radioactive cesium, fall down gradually while a plume passes through and are deposited on the ground surface and plants. Therefore, external exposure from deposited radioactive materials may occur even after the plume has passed, and internal exposure may also occur if someone consumes contaminated drinking water or foods.

(Related to p.23 of Vol. 1, "Internal and External Exposure," and p.30 of Vol. 1, "Products in Nuclear Reactors")

  • Included in this reference material on March 31, 2013
  • Updated on March 31, 2019
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