top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

1,107 nuclear incidents in 2010

Nuclear watchdog reveals 1,104 accidents at lowest end of the danger scale and overall performance is 'satisfactory'

FRANCE'S nuclear power stations are in a 'satisfactory' state, despite a total of 1,107 incidents recorded in 2010, an annual safety report has revealed.

The report, by the Autorité de sûreté nucléaire (ASN), said 1,104 incidents were categorised as level one on the nuclear threat scale, the lowest level.

Three incidents reached level two: a radioactive object was touched with a hand at the station in Chinon (Indre-et-Loire), a protective glove was perforated in La Hague (Manche) and six people inhaled radioactive cobalt 60 after a source of cobalt was damaged during an operation at Feursmétal (Loire).

The ASN carried out 1964 inspections in 2010, one quarter of them unannounced and said the results has been 'satisfactory'.

The watchdog's report said that the exposure of the population to radiation was rising, not as a result of nuclear power stations, but through increasing use of scanners.

It advised that the medical establishment should make more use of MRI scanners rather than those which use ionizing radiation.

Photo: La Hague nuclear fuel prossessing plant, credit Truzguiladh.jpg

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France