Situation radiologique sur les atolls de Mururoa et de Fangataufa: Rapport Principal

The Study of the Radiological Situation at the Atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa was conducted at the request of the Government of France to determine whether, as a consequence of French nuclear tests conducted above and beneath these atolls, radiological hazards could arise, now or in the future; and to recommend the form, scale and duration of any monitoring, remedial action or follow-up action that might be required. An International Advisory Committee was convened by the Director General of the IAEA to provide scientific direction and guidance on the conduct of the Study. The first meeting of the IAC was held in April 1996 and its final meeting in February 1998. In addition to IAEA Secretariat staff, 55 scientists from 18 countries and four international organizations participated in the Study, including the environmental sampling and surveillance campaigns, which involved 18 laboratories in 12 countries. The Main Report, which incorporates the bilingual (English/French) Executive Summary (see above), gives a comprehensive scientific account of the Study, together with data on the French nuclear weapon tests. It presents the results of the Study's assessment of the environmental legacy of weapon testing at the atolls and estimates of consequent radiation doses at present and in the future, drawing on the supporting detailed Technical Report. The findings, conclusions and recommendation are presented, together with an account of their basis in radiation protection and further background material to provide perspective.