The radiological legacy of the cold war (Its implications on current issues with low-dose radiation exposures)

The inheritance of the cold war in terms of presence of anthropogenic radioactive elements of the biosphere has been huge.

Vast amounts of radioactive materials have been uncontrollably discharged into the environment, not only by more than 2400 nuclear weapon tests but also by accidents in facilities producing weapon materials, abandoning powerful radioactive sources, re-entering military nuclear satellites and sea-dropping nuclear powered vessels and other radioactive materials. 

The presentation will describe this radiological legacy, particularly focusing on international assessments in which the presenter was professionally involved.

As an epilogue, the implicit negative influence of this legacy on current issues with low-dose radiation exposure situations at civilian nuclear endeavours will be discussed.