Ivor Callely
Question:13 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the health and other side effects arising out of exposure to nuclear radiation levels and related matters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14073/96]
Written Answers. - Nuclear Radiation Levels.
Limerick East): The health risk from exposure to ionising radiation from whatever source is dependent on the amount and levels of exposure. Nuclear radiation levels are associated with man-made sources such as nuclear power production, atmospheric nuclear testing and release of radionuclides into the environment from single events such as nuclear accidents. Other exposures are received from medical radiation procedures, but the doses administered are carefully balanced so that the benefit to the patient far outweighs the risks involved.
Excessive exposure to very high levels of nuclear radiation can have adverse health effects such as radiation sickness and longer term effects such as thyroid cancer and leukaemia.
The Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland is the statutory body responsible for monitoring radiation levels in the State. Its studies show that contamination levels here are low and are not considered to give rise to a significant health hazard.