Nuclear Accidents

2Lessons from the Past in the Field of Nuclear Accidents

2.1. Early signals and late lessons

The European Environment Agency has published two syntheses [AEE 01, AEE 13] on early signals and late lessons that can be drawn from the knowledge acquired from 1896 to the present, on molecules or groups of molecules that are extremely toxic, persistent and can pose significant health risks. Why, despite this knowledge, did decision-makers ignore these signals and take appropriate management decisions and actions only very late? In the first volume, the molecules identified include PCBs, benzene, asbestos, halocarbons (CFCs), DES, antibiotics, SO₂, MTBE, TBT and growth hormones [AEE 01]. The second volume includes, among others, lead in gasoline, perchloroethylene in mains water, methylmercury in Minamata Bay (Japan) in the 1950s, and exposure of American military nuclear workers to beryllium, occupational exposure to vinyl chloride, the effects of DBCP on human fertility, the bisphenol A scandal, the DDT saga and ethinylestradiol (oral contraceptive) in wastewater [AEE 13].

2.2. Structures for disseminating information on radioactive risk

Public information in the nuclear field, and in particular on the specific risk of radioactive radiation, has evolved considerably over time, depending on the country.

2.2.1. Situation from 1945 to 1990

Information on atomic risk was obviously non-existent throughout the Manhattan Project (American project to manufacture the first atomic bombs) ...