Nuclear Facts
Did You Know?
Nuclear energy met almost 15 per cent of Canada’s electricity demand in 2008.
Safety
How safe are CANDU nuclear reactors?
The safety systems and high quality equipment used in CANDU reactors, rigorous training, continuous safety inspections, and containment systems.
What about radiation? Is it harmful?
Facts about radiation, sources of radiation, how it is measured, how much we are exposed to, and the health effects of radiation.
Does radiation come only from nuclear power plants?
The many sources of radiation – both natural and man-made – that we are exposed to in everyday living, and how this radiation is measured.
The Chernobyl accident and its consequences
(Nuclear Energy Institute)
Key facts about the Chernobyl accident and reasons why such an accident is extremely unlikely in North America.
Chernobyl accident
(World Nuclear Association)
Another discussion of the Chernobyl accident from an international nuclear organization.
Health effects of the Chernobyl accident
(World Health Organization)
A study from the authoritative World Health Organization on the health effects of the Chernobyl accident.
Chernobyl’s legacy: health, environmental and socio-economic impacts (United Nations)
A 57 page United Nations study focusing on health, environmental and socio-economic impacts of the Chernobyl accident. Includes a two-page summary (pages 7-8).
Three Mile Island: 1979
(Nuclear Energy Institute)
A discussion of what happened during this nuclear accident in 1979 in the U.S., the lessons learned, the health effects, and the long-term impacts.
Are Canadians insured against damage from nuclear plant accidents?
Explains the insurance that exists in the event of damage from a nuclear plant accident, the limits of liability, and whether liability limits affect nuclear safety.
Does Canada contribute to nuclear weapons proliferation?
Discusses the many Canadian and international safeguards to ensure that Canada’s nuclear industry is for peaceful purposes only.
What is radon?
Radon is a colourless and odourless gas that results from the radioactive decay of radium. This fact sheet discusses where it is found in nature, whether it is dangerous, and how to lower levels of radon that you may be exposed to.