Radiation doses arising from routine emissions from nuclear power generation are calculated using conservative assumptions, to be a very small fraction of the doses associated with natural radiation sources. Even so, there has been a further decreasing trend in the radiation doses associated with all reactor designs during the past decade. AECL is committed to protecting its workers, the public and the environment. Daily operations are supported by policies, procedures, training and a questioning culture. AECL is certified to ISO 14001: 2004 standards for Environmental Management Systems.

The Environmental Emissions and Health Physics research program at AECL focuses on further decreasing the already minimal effects of operating CANDU reactors and associated facilities. AECL scientists measure emissions at existing stations to identify release pathways, examine operational practices and data, develop improved technologies for measurement and mitigation, and rigorously review CANDU designs to ensure that full advantage is being taken of our knowledge base on radionuclide behaviour. AECL scientists also sample, monitor, track and report their emissions form their own operations.

AECL has adopted targets that include: reducing the build-up of activation products; tritium and heavy water management processes that further reduce emissions; and improved waste management developments to reduce emissions during waste handling. As well, AECL continues to develop improved methods for the characterization of environmental pathways.

AECL researchers continue to investigate the more fundamental aspects of radiation and health to ensure a sound basis for any standards that apply to CANDU reactors. These basic scientific programs are aimed at clarifying the mechanisms underlying health effects of ionizing radiation at low doses and low dose rates. This work takes into account recent advances in biology and genetic research. Related applied work in health physics is carried out to improve the methods of measuring radiation fields in CANDU stations and controlling worker exposures. Since this work is of broad interest to the Canadian nuclear industry and the government regulators, AECL is working with Health Canada to transfer the staff carrying out this work to Health Canada as a first step in creating a more broadly based National Centre for Radiological Sciences.