IMPACT OF THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT IN WESTERN EUROPE

An evaluation of the contamination of air, soil, seawater and food with special reference to geographical and orographical situations after the Chernobyl accident is here reported with reference to Western Europe. The situation prior to Chernobyl with respect to regulations of radiation protection against the consequences of a major accident is considered. The development of the recommendations and regulations issued by the Commission of the European Communities for the maximum permitted levels of different groups of radionuclides in foodstuffs is reviewed. The different reactions to the accident are examined and some data on the average individual effective dose equivalents estimated in a number of countries are also reported. Also the consequences of the countermeasures are discussed. Some main problems concerning the information of the public and the preparedness for possible future accidents are summarised.