Mythbusters

Nuclear is a subject that has generated its fair share of myths throughout the years. An important part of the CNSC’s mandate is providing factual information that helps people understand nuclear science and its effects on people.

This section aims to dispel some of the most common misconceptions about nuclear technology and its applications in areas such as:

• Nuclear Power Plants
• Uranium and Waste
• Industrial and Medical Applications
• General

The CNSC does not promote the use of nuclear technologies or materials – rather, it regulates their use to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians as well as the environment. The CNSC respects Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Nuclear Power Plants

	Myth:	Nuclear power plants can explode like nuclear bombs.
	Fact:	A nuclear power plant cannot explode like a bomb. Nuclear bombs are completely different from reactors. Although both use fissile materials, the materials are not alike and are used in very different ways. The fuel in CANDU reactors is natural uranium. To produce a nuclear bomb, highly enriched uranium or plutonium must be used. Natural uranium contains about 0.72% of uranium 235. Highly enriched uranium contains at least 80% of it. Furthermore, in commercial reactors, nuclear fission is controlled in a system built to make sure the nuclear reaction is controlled. Nuclear bombs are specifically designed to produce uncontrolled fission leading to an explosion.
	Myth:	CANDU reactors are dangerous due to their power coefficient of reactivity.
	Fact:	The power coefficient of reactivity of CANDU reactors does not pose a significant risk. Consistent with Canadian nuclear safety requirements, nuclear power plants must have an appropriate combination of inherent and engineered safety features incorporated into the design of the reactor safety and control systems. A reactor design that has a positive power coefficient of reactivity is quite acceptable provided that the reactor is stable against power fluctuations, and that the probability and consequences of any potential accidents that would be aggravated by a positive reactivity feedback are maintained within CNSC-prescribed limits. These are known safety issues that have long been addressed by the CNSC’s regulatory and safety regime.
	Myth:	Tritium levels measured in the drinking water of communities near Canadian nuclear facilities pose a health risk.
	Fact:	Tritium levels found in the municipal drinking water of these communities are well below national and international minimum safety standards, and below 20 Bq/L. Read our information update on tritium in drinking water for more details.

Uranium and Waste

	Myth:	Uranium exploration causes radiation to be released.
	Fact:	Typical uranium exploration methods (such as drilling small core samples) do not significantly modify the natural environment. Uranium exploration presents low to no risk of increased radiation or radon exposure to the public and to the environment when best practices for mining exploration have been used. Mining exploration activities are governed by each province and a licence is not required from the CNSC.
	Myth:	Uranium mining poses a high risk to the health of miners and communities living near the facilities.
	Fact:	Studies demonstrate that present-day uranium workers, and the public living near a uranium mine or mill, are as healthy as the general Canadian population. Read our fact sheet on uranium mining for more information.
	Myth:	CANDU reactors produce more plutonium than other reactors.
	Fact:	CANDU reactors produce only half as much plutonium by discharged fuel mass as light-water reactors.
	Myth:	There is no solution for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel.
	Fact:	Currently, all spent nuclear fuel in Canada is stored in safe, engineered facilities designed for short- to mid-term storage. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has begun a dialogue with the Canadian public to collaboratively develop and implement a management approach for the long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel that is socially acceptable, technically sound, environmentally responsible and economically feasible.

Industrial and Medical Applications

	Myth:	Food irradiation causes the food to become radioactive.
	Fact:	Food irradiation does not make food radioactive. The process involves exposing food to ionizing radiation to kill bacteria, viruses and insects in order to prevent food poisoning and spoilage. Irradiation is also used to slow ripening and sprouting in fresh fruits or vegetables. Read more about food irradiation on the Web site of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

General

	Myth:	Canada's nuclear energy sector is secretive.
	Fact:	As part of its regulatory activities, the CNSC holds frequent public hearing and meetings that allow the public to learn about nuclear facilities and projects and to participate to the regulatory process as intervener. Public proceedings are available by Webcast and the documentation available to the public. Read more about the work of the Commission Tribunal or contact us for more details about how to get involved.