The Radiological Situation at the Atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa Technical Report - Volume 4: Releases to the biosphere of radionuclides from underground nuclear weapon tests at the atolls

Abstract

Between 1966 and 1996, France conducted 193 'experiences nucleaires' (nuclear experiments — a term used by the French authorities to include the full testing of nuclear weapons and the conduct of certain safety trials) above and beneath the atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. All French testing ceased on 27 January 1996. Before the completion of the last series of tests the Government of France requested the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct a study to assess the radiological impact of the tests. The IAEA agreed to carry out a study — the Study of the Radiological Situation at the Atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa — for the purpose of ascertaining whether, as a consequence of the tests, radiological hazards exist now or will exist in the future, and making recommendations on the form, scale and duration of any monitoring, remedial action or follow-up action that might be required. An International Advisory Committee (IAC) was convened by the Director General of the IAEA to provide scientific direction and guidance to the IAEA in the conduct of the Study and to prepare a report on the Study's findings, conclusions and recommendations.