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Nuclear power plant accident in Ukraine

An accident at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine will not lead to high radiation levels in the Netherlands. The distance between the Netherlands and Ukraine is too far. As a result, the radioactive material coming to the Netherlands via the air has already been sufficiently diluted. So there is no need to take shelter, evacuate or swallow iodine tablets.

Think ahead

  • There is no need to evacuate or take shelter if there is an accident at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine. Swallowing iodine tablets is not necessary either. In fact, swallowing these tablets could be harmful when it is not advised.
  • If something happens at a nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the most up-to-date information will be available at www.government.nl.

However, some measures may be needed to protect our food. Such as a ban on grazing or closing greenhouses. Whether this is necessary depends on the type of incident and, for example, the wind direction in Ukraine.

Government actions

  • The Netherlands cooperate internationally with the United Nations (UN) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In the Netherlands, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ANVS) is the contact point for an accident abroad.
  • The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) continuously monitors radiation levels in the Netherlands. If there is a nuclear power plant accident in Ukraine, the RIVM also monitors the radiation level across Europe.