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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is in the process of rescinding or revising guidance and policies posted on this webpage in accordance with Executive Order 14151 Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing, and Executive Order 14168 Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government. In the interim, any previously issued diversity, equity, inclusion, or gender-related guidance on this webpage should be considered rescinded that is inconsistent with these Executive Orders.

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Radiation Monitoring at Nuclear Power Plants

Nuclear power plants emit minute quantities of radioactive gases and liquids to the environment under controlled and monitored conditions during normal plant operations. Because these radioactive discharges can have environmental impacts — on humans, animals, plants, and sea life, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) requires licensees to monitor the discharges and analyze nearby environmental samples to ensure that the impacts of plant operations are minimized. These measures ensure that the permitted discharges result in very small doses to members of the public living around nuclear power plants.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Friday, March 20, 2020