Managing radiation

Radiation already occurs naturally - and safely - in the environment. It comes from radioactive substances including the ground, the air, building materials and food. Radiation is also found in the cosmic rays from the sun and outer space.

Natural sources account for about 85 per cent of the average background radiation dose, with artificial sources accounting for about 15 per cent. Nearly all artificial background radiation comes from medical procedures such as X-rays.

The maximum impact of radiation to any member of the public from nuclear power stations is about the same as they would receive from taking a single return flight to New York each year. This level represents no significant health risk to people living near to nuclear power stations.

RWE npower is committed to managing power generation safely at all of its sites and will work closely with the relevant authorities to ensure the safe radiological operation of its sites throughout their life and through the decommissioning process.