The conflict in Ukraine has brought back the fear of accidents at nuclear power plants, which is why the government has decided to speed up the adoption of the National Plan for the management of radiological and nuclear emergencies which should be approved soon.
“Following a severe accident at a nuclear power plant - reads the draft - and on the basis of dosimetric evaluations, it may be necessary to intervene to reduce exposure to ionizing radiation. Exposure can occur directly (inhalation from contaminated air, direct irradiation from soil and cloud), following the passage of the radioactive cloud or indirectly, by inhalation or ingestion of contaminated food and drinks ".
The direct protective measures, to be implemented immediately after the eventual accident, are the "shelter indoors" with the indication to the population to "stay in homes with doors and windows closed and ventilation or air conditioning systems off, for short periods of time, with a maximum limit reasonably set to two days ".
Not only. Also "iodine prophylaxis", monitoring of personal contamination, control of the production chain with the definition of any restrictions on the marketing of agri-food products, and limitation on the import of goods and foodstuffs.
The draft plan, signed by the head of the Civil Protection Fabrizio Curcio, consists of 3 phases, considered on the basis of the evolution of the accident scenario considered. Furthermore, the plan is calibrated on various types of accidents with differences between a plant located within 200 km of national borders and one beyond that distance or for an accident in non-European territory.
In the last of the three phases, defined as "transition", the remedial and remediation actions of the contaminated territories are started, as well as the management of the contaminated materials produced during the emergency.
(Unioneonline / L)