Correlation between potential radiation-induced carcinogenic risks associated with WWER-1000 spent nuclear fuel and BREST-1200 radiation waste in case of annual generation of 1 GW of electricity. Part 1. Radiological equivalence

«Radiation and Risk», 2022, vol. 31, No. 1, pp.5-14

DOI: 10.21870/0131-3878-2022-31-1-5-14

Authors

Ivanov V.K. – Scientific Advisor of NRER, Chief Radioecologist of Project PRORYV, Chairman of RSCRP, Corresponding Member of RAS, D. Sc., Tech.
Menyajlo A.N. – Lead. Researcher, C. Sc., Biol.
Chekin S.Yu. – Head of Lab. Contacts: 4 Korolyov str., Obninsk, Kaluga region, Russia, 249035. Tel.: (484) 399-30-79; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Kashcheeva P.V. – Senior Researcher, C. Sc., Biol.
Korelo A.M. – Senior Researcher
Tumanov K.А. – Head of Lab., C. Sc., Biol. A. Tsyb MRRC.
Lopatkin A.V. – Research Advisor for RE, D. Sc., Tech.
Adamov E.O. – Research Advisor, Project PRORYV, D. Sc., Tech., Prof. JSC PRORYV.
¹ A. Tsyb MRRC, Obninsk
² Joint Stock Company PRORYV, Moscow

Abstract

The paper presents for the first-time comparison of radiation safety for the population between spent nuclear fuel (SNF) irradiated in water-water power reactor with thermal neutrons (WWER-1000) and radioactive wastes (RW) from lead cooled fast neutrons reactor (BREST-1200). The reactors generate equal amount of electric power 1 GW per year. Composition and radiation parameters of long-lived radiation wastes sent to disposal is reviewed. Potential biological hazards from SNF and RW for about 10,000-years disposal were estimated as effective doses (Sv). To assess potential radiation-induced carcinogenic risk as estimates of lifetime attributable risk (LAR) new ICRP methodology was used. New ICRP methodology was used as the basis for the computer code for the program “Radiological protection of the population” (ROZA-N) developed by the Proryv Project of the Rosatom State Corporation. The project was registered at the Unified Register of Russian Software in 2021 (registration number 2442). It was found that potential radiation-induced carcinogenic risk for the population associated with WWER-1000 reactor SNF was 132 times higher than the risk associated with BREST-1200 reactor RW. Radiological equivalence of carcinogenic risks associated with SNF WWER-1000 and natural uranium material was proven to be achieved in about 15,600 years (significantly more than 10,000 years), the radiological equivalence of risks associated with RW BREST-1200, on the other hand, to be achieved only in 120 years.

Key words
WWER-1000 spent nuclear fuel, BREST-1200 radiation waste, radiological equivalence with natural uranium material, lifetime attributable risk, ROSA-N code, IAEA safety standards, advantages of closed nuclear fuel cycle in justifying economic efficiency.

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