The radiation protection of the public at NPPs is governed by the undertakings in the Joint Convention and by the requirements in the BSS.

International guidance is available for the regulatory control of radioac­tive discharges to the environment (IAEA, 2000e) and for the environmen­tal and NPPs for purposes of radiation protection (IAEA, 2005a).

In short, the public affected by NPP operations is protected by the control of discharges of radionuclides to the environment. International standards provide regulatory bodies with a structured approach to the limitation of such discharges from NPP operations and optimization of protection from such operations, which may be adapted to the specific legal and regulatory infrastructure within which such a body operates. They also give guidance on the responsibilities of operating organizations in conducting radioactive discharge operations.

Past experience demostrates that operational discharges are low and radiation exposure to the public from NPP operations has been minute. Figure 11.2 has shown how effective the regulatory instruments for limiting discharges from NPPs into the environment have been.

However, there is always the possibility, however remote, that a massive release of radioactive materials into the environment occurs as a result of a catastrophic accident. This is what happened as a result of the Chernobyl accident, a controversial topic that will close this chapter.