If a radioactive leak is suspected, a plan is put into action to lessen the effects of the possible accident. To determine the scope of the emergency measures, the area around the plants was divided into safety zones, which take into account the distance from the Angra 1 reactor. If the accident is confirmed, two main procedures take place. Within a radius of up to 5 kilometers around the plant, the population is completely withdrawn. Then, in the region between 5 and 15 kilometers, people must remain at home, sealing doors and windows to avoid the most acute radiation. The delimitation of these zones is the first source of contention between defenders of nuclear energy and environmentalists (check out other controversies in the infographic).
For the National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN), there is no risk of contamination beyond the 15 kilometer line. “Studies carried out in the United States after the accident at the Three Mile Island power plant, in 1979, showed that the risk of exposure to severe radiation lies within a 5-kilometer radius around a pressurized water reactor, such as those at Angra 1 and 2. That is, it is not possible to make any comparison with the reactor that caused the accident at Chernobyl, in Ukraine, in 1986”, says physicist Raul dos Santos, from CNEN. In the opinion of critics, the area covered by the emergency plan is small. “There is other research that indicates serious effects of radiation within 30 kilometers around Three Mile Island and 450 kilometers around Chernobyl.
Angra’s plan should cover a radius of at least 90 kilometers”, says environmentalist Sérgio Dialetachi, from Greenpeace Brasil. On one point, both sides agree: the possibility of an accident is minimal. The reactors have radiobiological shields, concrete and steel walls, as well as sensors and protection circuits capable of shutting down the plant if abnormal characteristics appear. “But these systems may not work and, if there is human error, the risk of a disaster increases”, says Sérgio.
If radiation leaks, emergency actions cover a radius of 15 km
1. If a nuclear accident occurs in Angra, combating the effects of radiation begins at the plant itself. Removing contaminated objects and interdicting areas, firefighters in airtight plastic suits begin decontamination. As these suits do not protect against all types of radiation, they can only be there for a few minutes. Radioactive particle detectors indicate the maximum period allowed
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS: Depending on the degree of contamination, workers cannot remain in the plant for more than a few seconds. Greenpeace also claims that part of firefighters are unaware of the main risks of radiation
2. In case of suspected radioactive leakage, the population close to the plant is alerted by the sound of nine sirens, megaphones, sound trucks or by firefighters who go from door to door. After that, people should listen to the instructions from the Civil Defense on the radio and TV.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS: For environmentalists, these methods are not enough to warn all the inhabitants of Angra and the tourists who frequent the region, because on certain beaches the sirens are not heard. They also claim that information is lacking, as many residents do not know what to do when they hear the alarm.
3. In suspected accidents, the population within a radius of up to 3 kilometers around the reactor must be removed within a maximum of four hours. If the leak is confirmed, those who live up to 5 kilometers from the plant must also leave the area. Buses must take people to predetermined shelters — in general, schools in the region
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS: Critics say the evacuation radius is small. The escape routes (the BR-101 and RJ-155 highways) are single-lane and subject to landslides. Shelters don’t protect against gamma rays, radiation that even passes through walls.
4. Those between 5 and 15 kilometers from the plant must remain at home, seal doors and windows with insulating tape and turn off fans and air conditioners to reduce exposure to high-intensity radiation. Beyond that area, the National Nuclear Energy Commission says there is no risk of contamination.
POSSIBLE ISSUES: Again, the limit is considered small. Greenpeace says the fence does not protect against gamma rays and that the protection area should be 90 kilometers
5. If there are people contaminated by radiation, they should be transferred to medical centers capable of treating radiological emergencies. In the region, two hospitals are prepared for the task: one in the village of Mambucaba, between the plant and the city of Parati, and another in the center of Angra dos Reis.
POSSIBLE PROBLEMS: There may be a shortage of beds if a serious accident occurs. Other hospitals, such as Santas Casas de Parati and Cunha, do not have the structure to deal with the situation.