WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1530/96 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Protective measures in the event of nuclear accidents
Date: 1996-06-17
Institutions: BREYER, European Parliament
Subjects: EAEC Treaty, competence of the Member States, environmental risk prevention, exchange of information, iodine, nuclear accident, public health, transfrontier pollution













EUR-Lex - 91996E1530 - EN






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91996E1530

WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1530/96 by Hiltrud BREYER to the Commission. Protective measures in the event of nuclear accidents  


Official Journal C 356 , 25/11/1996 P. 0054 





WRITTEN QUESTION E-1530/96 by Hiltrud Breyer (V) to the Commission (17 June 1996)Subject: Protective measures in the event of nuclear accidents1. Is the Commission aware that only France distributes iodine tablets to people who live near nuclear power stations?2. How is the supply of iodine tablets to the population ensured in the other Member States, in view of the fact that the tablets must be taken within one hour after a nuclear accident in order to protect the thyroid gland, which is sensitive to radiation, from cancer?3. Can the Commission guarantee that in the event of a nuclear accident the population would be supplied with iodine tablets within one hour?4. How is the supply ensured across borders, for example the border between France and Germany in the event of an accident at Cattenom?Answer given by Mrs Bjerregaard on behalf of the Commission (1 August 1996)1 - 4. A number of Community provisions refer to measures to be implemented by the Member States in relation to nuclear accidents and radiological emergencies. However, although emergency plans have to be drawn up and approved by the individual Member States, in general measures specified in these plans and their practical implementation are not detailed in the Community provisions. Thus it is for Member States to decide such matters as the approach to be taken to the distribution of iodine tablets.In practice the approaches adopted may well vary, since the choice will depend on a number of factors which differ from country to country - although it is correct that for maximum efficiency iodine tablets should be taken just before or shortly after exposure to radioactive iodine. These factors include:- any risk which the iodine tablets may themselves present, more especially in areas with iodine-deficient diets;- an appreciation of individuals' ability to locate rapidly tablets issued perhaps a few years previously;- the time predicted to be available between a precautionary decision to use the tablets and a threatened exposure to radioactive iodine;- how quickly the tablets could be distributed from one or more centralized locations, which will itself depend on local conditions and resources.Any criterion used as to the maximum acceptable delay in making tablets available to individuals is again a matter for the Member States but rapid and efficient distribution is obviously a primary goal.As regards cross-border planning, each Member State is responsible for its own territory and such planning would have to be by bilateral agreement.While all such matters are, therefore, clearly in the competence of the Member States, the Commission does, nevertheless, seek to provide guidance and facilitate exchanges of information. Thus a 1982 guide on accident reference doses, prepared by the experts referred to in Article 31 of the Euratom Treaty, is now under revision and, in the context of mutual assistance, a meeting of Member States has been arranged which will allow an exchange of information on iodine prophylaxis.