Description
Issues that do not need much further evaluation, but for which a clear decision on handling in the assessment is required. These include decisions regarding handling of biological evolution and regarding potential progress in treating detrimental effects of radiation, e.g. cancer.
SKB Number
SKB FEP Number
Meth01
Main Category
Main category for FEP
Methodology
Sub-category
Sub-category for FEP
Methodology
Handling
Explanation of how the FEP is treated
Biological evolution that might lead to other effects of radiation in the future compared with today is not considered. Such effects are impossible to predict. It is, though, highly likely that man and biota in the future will be exposed to similar levels of natural background radiation as today. Therefore, it is unreasonable to assume that evolution would lead to higher sensitivity to radiation.
Changes in society's ability to treat cancer or its view on radiation hazards, as reflected by regulatory dose or risk limits, are not considered. It is likely that more effective cures for cancer will be developed, maybe even in the near future. However, since this is speculative, it cannot be taken credit for in the safety assessment. Furthermore, the compliance discussion in a safety assessment must be related to regulatory criteria that apply today.
Issues related to other environmental impacts than radiological, e.g. chemical toxicity of spent fuel and repository materials, are not considered in the safety assessment, but are evaluated as part of the environmental impact assessment.