CNSC response to the article entitled “Gentilly-2 : le tritium émis en trop grande quantité?” [Gentilly-2: is too much tritium being released?], published in Le Courrier Sud on April 18, 2010

Gentilly-2 tritium releases: uncorroborated statements

To the Editor:

I would like to make a few important points in response to the article “Gentilly-2 : le tritium émis en trop grande quantité?”, recently published in the daily Le Courrier Sud. It is disappointing to see such fear reflected in the statements made in the article, which are based on uncorroborated beliefs, rather than on scientific fact. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the nuclear sector to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. It also has a mandate to disseminate objective scientific information about nuclear power.  

First of all, the tritium levels in the drinking water of communities near nuclear power plants do not pose health risks. In fact, the tritium levels in the municipal drinking water of these communities are under 20 Bq/L, well below the national and international standards. It is important to note that tritium is a radioactive substance that is also found in nature. The CNSC sets strict limits for and monitors tritium release into the environment by nuclear facilities.

Secondly, epidemiological studies of populations living near nuclear power plants have shown that the radiation doses (including those from tritium) to which the public and workers are exposed are very low and, consequently, do not cause birth defects or cancer. There is no evidence that people living near a nuclear power plant run a greater risk of getting cancer, including childhood leukemia. 

Finally, the CNSC would never license a nuclear facility if it had not been proven that the facility was safe. I would also like to point out that the CNSC does its work publicly and that it publishes many reports, including on the environmental performance of the power plants.  

For more information, I invite you to visit our Web site, at nuclearsafety.gc.ca.

Michael Binder
President
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission