Tritium’s health hazards: Tritium’s health hazards: why we should be why we should be

concernedconcernedDr Ian FairlieDr Ian Fairlie

Consultant on Radiation in the Consultant on Radiation in the EnvironmentEnvironment

LondonLondonUnited KingdomUnited Kingdom

Tritium releasesTritium releases from reactor types from reactor types

TBq per GW(e) TBq per GW(e) yryr

Heavy Water ReactorHeavy Water Reactor 670670Pressurised Water ReactorPressurised Water Reactor 2020Boiling Water ReactorBoiling Water Reactor 22

data source: UNSCEAR (2000)data source: UNSCEAR (2000)

Tritium Release Limits Tritium Release Limits TBq/yearTBq/year(combined liquid and gaseous)(combined liquid and gaseous)

COUNTRYCOUNTRY Nuclear Power StationNuclear Power Station TBq /yearTBq /year

Canada Canada DarlingtonDarlington 846,000846,000

BelgiumBelgium Doel Doel 100100

GermanyGermany All sitesAll sites 7070

NetherlandsNetherlands BorsseleBorssele 3030

UKUK SizewellSizewell 88

Key ProblemKey Problem

official dose per Bq for tritium is very official dose per Bq for tritium is very lowlow

therefore the estimated tritium therefore the estimated tritium “doses” are usually tiny“doses” are usually tiny

but the huge tritium releases mean if but the huge tritium releases mean if tritium’s dose estimates are wrong, the tritium’s dose estimates are wrong, the health consequences could be serioushealth consequences could be serious

Tritium doses from Tritium doses from inhalationinhalation(EU RODOS Model) in mSv(EU RODOS Model) in mSv

8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working GroupMay 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)

Tritium doses from Tritium doses from ingestioningestion(EU RODOS Model) in mSv(EU RODOS Model) in mSv

8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working GroupMay 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)

Estimated tritium levels in cow’s Estimated tritium levels in cow’s milkmilk

(EU RODOS Model) (EU RODOS Model) HTOHTO Bq/kg Bq/kg8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group

May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)

Estimated tritium levels in cow’s Estimated tritium levels in cow’s milkmilk

(EU RODOS Model) (EU RODOS Model) OBTOBT Bq/kg Bq/kg8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group8th Meeting of the IAEA (EMRAS) Tritium & C-14 Working Group

May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)May 30 - June 1, 2007 - Bucharest, Romania (http://www.nipne.ro/emras/)

Tritium concentrations in airTritium concentrations in airnear Canadian reactors Bq/mnear Canadian reactors Bq/m3 3

from Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP 0153-1. Prepared for the CNSC.from Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP 0153-1. Prepared for the CNSC.

Tritium concentrations in food Tritium concentrations in food near Canadian reactors - Bq/l near Canadian reactors - Bq/l

from Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP 0153-1. Prepared for the CNSC.from Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP 0153-1. Prepared for the CNSC.

Estimated annual tritium Estimated annual tritium intakes near a Canadian intakes near a Canadian

nuclear power stationnuclear power stationafter Osborne, 2002;after Osborne, 2002; annual intake values from annual intake values from Health Canada (1994)Health Canada (1994)

Tritium sourceTritium source Intake per Intake per annumannum

TritiumTritiumconcentrationconcentration

Bq/yearBq/year

Water in food Water in food 425 litres425 litres ~2,000 Bq/L~2,000 Bq/L 850,000850,000

Air InhalationAir Inhalation 8,400 m8,400 m33 10 Bq/m10 Bq/m33 84,00084,000

Water in drinksWater in drinks 550 litres550 litres 100 Bq/L100 Bq/L 55,00055,000

Skin absorptionSkin absorption 60% of 60% of inhalationinhalation

10 Bq/m10 Bq/m33 33,00033,000

OBT in foodOBT in food 75 kg75 kg ~700 Bq/kg~700 Bq/kg ~53,000 ~53,000

TOTALTOTAL ~1,000,000~1,000,000

Controversy over Tritium’s Controversy over Tritium’s “Doses”“Doses”

tritium’s dose coefficient is the tritium’s dose coefficient is the smallest (by far) of all radionuclidessmallest (by far) of all radionuclides

often described as a “weak” emitter, often described as a “weak” emitter, but 2-3 times more hazardous than but 2-3 times more hazardous than most gamma/beta emittersmost gamma/beta emitters

major misconceptions presentmajor misconceptions present 3 main problems3 main problems

Reports discussing theReports discussing the Controversy Over Tritium Controversy Over Tritium

DosesDoses1.1. AGIR HPA Report (2007) Review of Risks from TritiumAGIR HPA Report (2007) Review of Risks from Tritium2.2. Melintescu A, Galeriu D and Takeda H (2007) Reassessment Of Melintescu A, Galeriu D and Takeda H (2007) Reassessment Of

Tritium Dose Coefficients For The General Public. Radiat Protect Tritium Dose Coefficients For The General Public. Radiat Protect Dosim June 2007, pp. 1–5Dosim June 2007, pp. 1–5

3.3. Fairlie I (2007) RBE and wFairlie I (2007) RBE and wRR values of Auger emitters and low-range values of Auger emitters and low-range beta emitters with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiol beta emitters with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiol Prot. Vol 27 pp 157-168Prot. Vol 27 pp 157-168

4.4. US EPA draft White Paper. Modifying EPA Radiation Risk Models US EPA draft White Paper. Modifying EPA Radiation Risk Models Based on BEIR VII. August 1 2006Based on BEIR VII. August 1 2006

5.5. Makhijani A, Smith B, and Thorne MC (2006) Science for the Makhijani A, Smith B, and Thorne MC (2006) Science for the Vulnerable: Setting Radiation and Multiple Exposure Environmental Vulnerable: Setting Radiation and Multiple Exposure Environmental Health Standards to Protect Those Most at Risk. See chapter 7 on Health Standards to Protect Those Most at Risk. See chapter 7 on tritium.tritium. http://www.ieer.org/campaign/report.pdf

What’s Wrong?What’s Wrong?

1.1. Wrong Wrong radiation weighting factorradiation weighting factor (w (wRR))

2.2. Wrong metabolic/dosimetric Wrong metabolic/dosimetric modelsmodels

3.3. Refusal to acknowledge its Refusal to acknowledge its hazardshazards

1. Radiation “weighting” (w1. Radiation “weighting” (wRR) is ) is WrongWrong

An important issueAn important issue UK (AGIR) says wUK (AGIR) says wRR x 2 x 2 US EPA says wUS EPA says wRR x 2.5 x 2.5 but ICRP says it won’t change (because of but ICRP says it won’t change (because of

French obsession with fusion research - ITER French obsession with fusion research - ITER at Cadarache)at Cadarache)

Observed RBE valuesfrom Fairlie I (2007) RBE and wFairlie I (2007) RBE and wRR values of Auger emitters and low-range beta emitters values of Auger emitters and low-range beta emitters

with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiological Protection. Vol 27 pp 157-168with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiological Protection. Vol 27 pp 157-168

Distribution of RBEs for HTO/gamma

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

Experiment

R B

E

2. Tritium Models are Poor 2. Tritium Models are Poor

No recognition of tritium levels building No recognition of tritium levels building up to high levels from chronic exposuresup to high levels from chronic exposures

No consideration of heterogenous No consideration of heterogenous distribution of tritium, especially OBTdistribution of tritium, especially OBT

OBT badly modelled: experimental OBT badly modelled: experimental animal and human data ignoredanimal and human data ignored

3. Unusual Tritium Properties 3. Unusual Tritium Properties unrecognisedunrecognised

Extreme mobility in environment Extreme mobility in environment (as H(as H22O)O) Rapid uptake in biota, ie humansRapid uptake in biota, ie humans 60% of atoms in humans are H atoms60% of atoms in humans are H atoms High atomic exchangeabilityHigh atomic exchangeability Ability to bind with organic materials Ability to bind with organic materials 5% in metabolic reactions each day 5% in metabolic reactions each day Short-range beta particle, so damage Short-range beta particle, so damage

depends on location in cell, eg near DNA?depends on location in cell, eg near DNA?

Overall Result: Overall Result: Tritium’s dose coefficient Tritium’s dose coefficient should be increased x 20should be increased x 20

1.1. Weighting Factor = x 2.5Weighting Factor = x 2.5

2.2. Correct Models = x 4Correct Models = x 4

3.3. Hazardous Nature = x 2Hazardous Nature = x 2

Therefore need to increase tritium doses by Therefore need to increase tritium doses by

2.5 x 4 x 2 = 202.5 x 4 x 2 = 20

Precautionary PrinciplePrecautionary Principle

Ie - err on the side of cautionIe - err on the side of caution Do not use scientific uncertainty as Do not use scientific uncertainty as

excuse for inactivity excuse for inactivity where there is some evidence of harm – where there is some evidence of harm –

act to reduce or avoid it or warn about itact to reduce or avoid it or warn about it

Main ConclusionsMain Conclusions

high tritium concentrations in air high tritium concentrations in air moisture, food, water near NPPsmoisture, food, water near NPPs

therefore high tritium exposures therefore high tritium exposures to nearby residents to nearby residents

likely cancers, leukemias (but likely cancers, leukemias (but hard to pick up)hard to pick up)

Main Recommendations Main Recommendations

1.1. Use Precautionary Principle Use Precautionary Principle 2.2. Set up permanent health Set up permanent health

committees on tritium with NGO committees on tritium with NGO repsreps

3.3. Further epidemiology studiesFurther epidemiology studies4.4. Advise local peopleAdvise local people5.5. Tighten tritium limitsTighten tritium limits

Health RecommendationsHealth Recommendations

protect the vulnerable and most exposed protect the vulnerable and most exposed pregnant women, nursing mothers, and pregnant women, nursing mothers, and

children (under 4) should not live within children (under 4) should not live within 10 km 10 km

people within 5 km should not consume people within 5 km should not consume food from their gardens, beehives, food from their gardens, beehives, orchards, and wild foods growing nearbyorchards, and wild foods growing nearby

Globe and Mail: June 12 2007

Useful ReferencesUseful References Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (2001) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP-0153-1. Prepared for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (2001) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP-0153-1. Prepared for the

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission under CNSC contract no. 87055-01-0184 by Ranasara Consultants and Richard Osborne. Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission under CNSC contract no. 87055-01-0184 by Ranasara Consultants and Richard Osborne. CERRIE (2004) Report of the UK Government’s Committee Examining the Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters. CERRIE (2004) Report of the UK Government’s Committee Examining the Radiation Risks of Internal Emitters. www.cerrie.org Energy Washington Week (2007) “EPA Tritium Risk Plan May Force Tighter Nuclear Plant Controls”, Vol. 4, No. 25, 20 June 2007. Energy Washington Week (2007) “EPA Tritium Risk Plan May Force Tighter Nuclear Plant Controls”, Vol. 4, No. 25, 20 June 2007. Fairlie I (2007) RBE and wR values of Auger emitters and low-range beta emitters with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiological Fairlie I (2007) RBE and wR values of Auger emitters and low-range beta emitters with particular reference to tritium. Journal of Radiological

Protection. Vol 27 pp 157-168. (2007) Protection. Vol 27 pp 157-168. (2007) http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0952-4746/27/2/003/ Greenpeace Canada. (2007) Tritium Hazard Report: Pollution and Radiation Risk from Canadian Nuclear Facilities. Greenpeace Canada. (2007) Tritium Hazard Report: Pollution and Radiation Risk from Canadian Nuclear Facilities.

http://www.greenpeace.org/raw/content/canada/en/documents-and-links/publications/tritium-hazard-report-pollu.pdf Health Canada (1994) Human Health Risk Assessment for Priority Substances. Ottawa, Canada: Ministry of Supply and Services Canada.Health Canada (1994) Human Health Risk Assessment for Priority Substances. Ottawa, Canada: Ministry of Supply and Services Canada. http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0952-4746/27/2/003/http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0952-4746/27/2/003/ Hey E (1995) The Precautionary Principle. Where Does It Come From And Where Might It Lead In The Case Of Radioactive Releases To The Hey E (1995) The Precautionary Principle. Where Does It Come From And Where Might It Lead In The Case Of Radioactive Releases To The

Environment. In Proceedings of an International Atomic Energy Agency Symposium on The Environmental Impact of Radioactive Releases. Vienna, Environment. In Proceedings of an International Atomic Energy Agency Symposium on The Environmental Impact of Radioactive Releases. Vienna, May 1995. IAEA-SM-339/195.May 1995. IAEA-SM-339/195.

Kirchner G (1990) A New Hazard Index for the Determination of Risk Potentials of Radioactive Waste. J of Environmental Radioactivity, 11, pp 71-95.Kirchner G (1990) A New Hazard Index for the Determination of Risk Potentials of Radioactive Waste. J of Environmental Radioactivity, 11, pp 71-95. Makhijani A, Smith B, and Thorne MC (2006) Science for the Vulnerable: Setting Radiation and Multiple Exposure Environmental Health Standards to Makhijani A, Smith B, and Thorne MC (2006) Science for the Vulnerable: Setting Radiation and Multiple Exposure Environmental Health Standards to

Protect Those Most at Risk. See chapter 7 on tritium. Protect Those Most at Risk. See chapter 7 on tritium. http://www.ieer.org/campaign/report.pdf OECD/NEA (1980) Radiological Significance and Management of Tritium, Carbon-14, Krypton-85, and Iodine-129 Arising from the Nuclear Fuel Cycle OECD/NEA (1980) Radiological Significance and Management of Tritium, Carbon-14, Krypton-85, and Iodine-129 Arising from the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Nuclear Energy Agency of OECD, Paris.Nuclear Energy Agency of OECD, Paris. Ontario Drinking Water Advisory Council (2009) Report and Advice on the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standard for Tritium. Ontario Drinking Water Advisory Council (2009) Report and Advice on the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standard for Tritium.

http://www.odwac.gov.on.ca/reports/minister_reports.htm Ontario Government’s Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs: Hearings on The Safety of Ontario's Nuclear Reactors. Tuesday, July 10, 1979. Ontario Government’s Select Committee on Ontario Hydro Affairs: Hearings on The Safety of Ontario's Nuclear Reactors. Tuesday, July 10, 1979.

http://www.ccnr.org/tritium_2.html#scoha Osborne RV (1966) Absorption of tritiated water vapour by people. Health Phys 12:1527-1537Osborne RV (1966) Absorption of tritiated water vapour by people. Health Phys 12:1527-1537 Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP-0153-1. Prepared for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Osborne RV (2002) Tritium in the Canadian Environment: Levels and Health Effects. Report RSP-0153-1. Prepared for the Canadian Nuclear Safety

Commission. Commission. Paunescu N, Cotarlea M, Galeriu D, Margineanu R and Mocanu N (1999) Evaluation of environmental tritium levels in pre-operational period of Paunescu N, Cotarlea M, Galeriu D, Margineanu R and Mocanu N (1999) Evaluation of environmental tritium levels in pre-operational period of

Cernavoda CANDU Nuclear Power Plant. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Volume 239, Number 3. March 1999. pages 465-470. Cernavoda CANDU Nuclear Power Plant. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry Volume 239, Number 3. March 1999. pages 465-470. Porter Commission (1980) The Report of the Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning. Volume 6. Environmental and Health Implications of Porter Commission (1980) The Report of the Royal Commission on Electric Power Planning. Volume 6. Environmental and Health Implications of

Electric Energy in Ontario. p 85. Ontario Government, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Electric Energy in Ontario. p 85. Ontario Government, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Societatea Nationala “Nuclearelectrica” S.A. CNA Cernavoda. (2005) Raport di Mediu. Societatea Nationala “Nuclearelectrica” S.A. CNA Cernavoda. (2005) Raport di Mediu. Song MJ, Son SH and Jang CH (1995) Tritium Inventory Prediction in a Candu Plant. Water Management Vol 15 No 8 pp 593-598..Song MJ, Son SH and Jang CH (1995) Tritium Inventory Prediction in a Candu Plant. Water Management Vol 15 No 8 pp 593-598.. UNSCEAR (2000) Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. New York NY USA.UNSCEAR (2000) Sources and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation. New York NY USA. Varlam C et al (2005) The use of tritiated wastewater from NPP Cernavoda to estimate maximum soluble pollutants on the Danube - Black Sea Varlam C et al (2005) The use of tritiated wastewater from NPP Cernavoda to estimate maximum soluble pollutants on the Danube - Black Sea

channel. Fusion Science and Technology, vol. 48, no 1., pp. 716-719.channel. Fusion Science and Technology, vol. 48, no 1., pp. 716-719. Workman WJ, Trivedi A and Cornett RJ (1998) Tritium Concentrations inside the Homes of Occupationally Exposed Workers: Dosimetric Implications. Workman WJ, Trivedi A and Cornett RJ (1998) Tritium Concentrations inside the Homes of Occupationally Exposed Workers: Dosimetric Implications.

Health Physics Vol 75 No 1, pp 56-59.Health Physics Vol 75 No 1, pp 56-59.