Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN): a center of nuclear expertise

Little known to the general public, the Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety has been in the spotlight for several months with the government's plan to merge IRSN and ASN. Rejected by Parliament and widely criticized, the idea was relaunched at the last Nuclear Policy Council on 19 July 2023. A bill is expected in the fall.

A public industrial and commercial establishment, IRSN constitutes, with Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and the Nuclear Rapid Action Force (FARN), the trio of Nuclear safety and security in France. At the origin of its creation in 2022? The desire to separate the missions of expertise on nuclear and radiological risks and of supervisory authority.

Discover this institute where excellence and scientific expertise reign.

What is nuclear radiation protection?

La nuclear radiation protection aims to prevent or reduce health and environmental risks associated with ionizing rays. It has developed gradually since the discovery of radioactivity in 1896.

What is an ionizing ray?

Radiations are energy emissions or particle beams. They are said to be “ionizing” when they are powerful enough to transform the atoms they pass through into ions. These radiations have effects on the body according to their type and the perceived dose.

Over 60% of ionizing radiation are of natural origin, emitted by water, soil or air. Medical devices, such as radiography and radiation therapy, are responsible for the majority of artificial ionizing radiation. The installations Nuclear come far behind.

The three main principles of nuclear radiation protection

Nuclear radiation protection is based on three principles enshrined in the Public Health Code:

• Optimize exposures by isolating the source of ionizing radiation (screen, containment chamber, airlock, etc.) and by ensuring the safety of exposed workers (protective clothing, reduction of exposure times, etc.);

• Authorize issuer activities upon justification of ionizing radiation by comparing the benefits and risks, and giving priority to the techniques that emit the least radiation;

• Limiting exposures through regulations : the maximum dose for the general public is limited to 1 millisecond per year. It rises to 20 mSv per year for an exposed worker. There are no limits for patients, with priority given to the effectiveness of medical treatment.

What are the missions of IRSN?

The Institute for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety is the center of scientific expertise on nuclear and radiological risks in France. Her role? Monitor, study, and analyze for reduce health and environmental impacts artificial ionizing radiation linked to nuclear, industrial or medical activity.

Supervision of nuclear installations

IRSN carries out analyses of safety of nuclear installations, from their design to their dismantling. It ensures that the safety and radiation protection devices put in place respect nuclear regulations and guarantee the safety of workers, the population and the environment.

The spectrum of installations controlled by IRSN covers the value chain of nuclear : nuclear reactors, research laboratories, transport of radioactive materials, reprocessing, storage and radioactive waste management, nuclear fuel conversion, enrichment and manufacturing plants, particle accelerators, etc.

At the same time, IRSN is carrying out targeted searches to strengthen its scientific expertise and safety capacities. Its experts analyze in depth issues such as core fusion, fire in a confined environment, the impacts of the aging of materials, etc. The results are published in notices to the authorities and expert reports.

Environmental monitoring

IRAN monitors the radiological state of the environment in France. Each year, it publishes an annual report, supplemented by targeted radiological studies on industrial and nuclear sites. He also makes radiological diagnostics in the context of doubts about possible radiological pollution.

His studies on the environmental impact of artificial ionizing radiation focus on the atmosphere as well as the geosphere, aquatic environments, food and all human and non-human species.

Monitoring the effects of radiation on humans

IRSN carries out research, surveillance and expertise actions for ensure the protection of exposed populations and workers against the effects of ionizing radiation.

In the medical field, the institute issues reports, reviews and guides to support professionals in their practices and adapt protection systems to the evolution of technologies. It also offers radiation protection training to manufacturers, local authorities and health establishments.

Technical support for nuclear security

IRSN provides technical support in numerous areas related to nuclear security.

For example, he acts as an expert forreview of operators' files subject to the supervisory authorities. It provides technical advice to annual nuclear security exercises. He participates in numerous studies in the field of security (cybersecurity, effects of weapons and explosives, resistance capacities of physical protective equipment, etc.)

Analysis methods and research and development

To carry out its research and analysis missions, IRSN relies on innovative tools and research and development.

Modeling and simulation in the service of nuclear safety

Simulation and modeling are fundamental methods for IRSN. Based on models, simulation helps to represent a complex reality, explain phenomena or anticipate extreme situations, in nuclear safety as well as in radiation protection.

Using calculation software, experts shuffle the data to understand, predict, design and control. For example, the Sofia simulator is used to simulate nuclear incidents and accidents of all sizes.

These tests make it possible to assess radioactive releases and their consequences on humans and the environment. The results are valuable for strengthening protection systems and limiting the risks of ionizing radiation.

Research and development at IRSN

Research and development makes it possible todeepen knowledge and expertise of IRSN in the field of nuclear and radiation protection. It is part of major multi-annual programmes, launched as part of international cooperation. 70 international projects are in progress and 11 projects coordinated by IRSN.

The institute participates in technical programs such as CABRI on the reactivity injection accident, CONCRETE on the control of concrete aging or MIRE on the limitation of radioactive releases during a reactor core fusion accident.

On the health and environment side, the BEERAD project aims to understand the effects of ionizing radiation on bees, while the HARMONIC project focuses on analysing the long-term effects on children of medical exposure to ionizing radiation.

What are IRSN's future challenges?

Committed to nuclear safety and radiation protection, IRSN is at the center of major health and safety challenges.

Ensuring nuclear safety in a threat environment

The context of a lasting and high threat is a real challenge for actors involved in nuclear safety and radiation protection. In view of potential malicious acts, IRSN acts on two axes.

On the one hand, the institute contributes, through its scientific expertise and technical support, to strengthen security and the safety of nuclear installations and transport in France.

On the other hand, he Orients its research to better protect populations and the environment from the effects of ionizing radiation. The PRIODAC project is thus working to determine the best methods for the repeated administration of stable iodine in case of radioactivity.

The RESCUE project aims to propose a new therapeutic approach for victims of high-dose irradiation.

Preventing the health effects of repeated low medical doses

Between 2005 and 2015, the figures showed theincrease in the average total dose of ionizing radiation received by the population. The cause: the increase of more than 90% in medical exposures thanks to the rise of radiodiagnosis and radiotherapy.

What can be the long-term consequences of low-dose, but repeated exposures to ionizing radiation for patients and staff? This is the question that underlies the multidisciplinary work carried out by the Institute.

The challenge: finding the best compromise between patient care and the health risks of ionizing radiation.

Among ongoing research, the ENVIRONHOM program has been studying the impact of low repetitive doses on organisms for many years through experiments on rats. The EPI-CT study assesses the long-term risks for children and adolescents exposed to ionizing radiation during exams and scans.

IRSN is the French expert in nuclear safety and radiation protection. Two principles guided the creation of the Institute: the independence of research and expertise and transparency and information to the public on nuclear and radiological risks. In the short term, his biggest challenge may be that of his potential merger with ASN.

To go further, do not hesitate to consult our article on extending the lifespan of nuclear power plants: strategic and economic challenges.