This animation explains what radiation is and where it occurs. It also tells you how much radiation people can safely receive. And what measures the government will take if radiation released by a nuclear accident exceeds this safe dose. Incidentally, the risk of a nuclear accident is very small.
(On-screen title: How might I be exposed to radiation? An animation.)
VOICE-OVER: How might I be exposed to radiation?
Radiation is everywhere.
On average, each Dutch person receives a daily dose of natural radiation
of 0.004 millisievert.
(An x-ray of a figure's chest is taken.)
For a chest X-ray, that is 0.02 millisievert per radiograph.
(Figures sit in an aeroplane.)
For air travel, that is 0.01 millisievert from cosmic radiation
and 0.05 millisievert for intercontinental flights.
For an average Dutch person, that gives a combined radiation dose
of 2.6 millisieverts per year.
There are limits to the extra radiation dose that people may receive.
(The words '1 milli-Sv annual exposure' appear over one figure, and the words '20 milli-Sv radiological workers' over another figure. In addition, the words '10 milli-Sv Seek shelter!' appear over a house, and '100 milli-Sv Evacuate!' over a suitcase full of clothes.)
One millisievert for the public and 20 millisieverts for radiological workers.
In the event of a nuclear accident,
the government takes steps to protect the public if an increased dose is expected.
(Figures with a dog look at a nuclear power plant.)
With nuclear accidents, the situation in the plant determines when,
and to what extent, radioactivity is released.
(First responders arrive at the nuclear power plant. Two figures stand in a control room.)
Various security systems keep the risk of a nuclear accident as low as possible.
However, should something happen,
everything will be done to limit the release of radioactive substances.
(The Dutch coat of arms, next to: Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection. The screen turns dark green and white. On-screen text: For more information, visit: www.anvs.nl.)
TRANQUIL MUSIC
More information: www.anvs.nl.