Radiation and nuclear incident

A radiological or nuclear incident occurs when radioactive material is released or escapes from the containers designed to hold and store it. An incident of the sort can be due to:

• an accident or a complication occurring while the radioactive material is being transported;
• the loss or discovery of a radioactive source;
• the use of radioactive material for medical, industrial or research purposes;
• a major operational issue at a nuclear facility.

The risk of a radiological or nuclear incident occurring in Québec is low, given the absence of operational nuclear facilities in or near the province as well as the strict control over the transportation, storage and use of radioactive material for medical, industrial or research purposes. 

Strict regulatory standards oversee the transportation of radioactive material used by hospitals and organizations in various industries. This material, moreover, is handled by qualified personnel. These measures significantly reduce the risk of accidents and limit the potential consequences of a radiological or nuclear incident. 

The possession of radioactive sources is restricted and strictly controlled. In the event of the loss or theft of a sealed radioactive source or a radiation device, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission must be notified immediately so that appropriate measures can be taken.

Nuclear facilities that were previously subject to various preventive measures no longer constitute enough of a risk to the Québec population to justify special measures.

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories - Chalk River Laboratories

Years ago, various preventive measures were implemented in certain Pontiac RCM municipalities in the Outaouais region, given their proximity to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL). These facilities, located in Ontario, are approximately 200 kilometres northwest of the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau. The prior preventive measures were introduced to protect the population, the regional food chain and the environment should there be a radiological incident at the CRL.

A re-evaluation of the risks, particularly after the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor was permanently shut down in 2018, confirmed that these preventive measures were no longer necessary. The distribution of potassium iodide pills will thus cease in 2026 and the existing inventory will not be renewed once it reaches its expiry date.  Expired pills can be brought to a pharmacy, which will see to their safe disposal.

Gentilly-2 nuclear facility

Located in the Centre-du-Québec region, the Gentilly-2 nuclear facility was shut down in December 2012. The nuclear facility no longer constitutes a hazard for nearby communities, and this as a result of the decommissioning works carried out in 2013.

To learn more, see the Hydro-Québec Web page Decommissioning of the Gentilly-2 facilities.

Radiological and nuclear materials are classified as hazardous materials. Hence, should there be an event involving such materials, the instructions and recommendations regarding accidents involving hazardous materials will apply. 

Several government organizations mandated to ensure the safety of the population and the environment are responsible for the management of radiological and nuclear risks in Canada. These organizations oversee nuclear activities, ensure the protection of the population’s health and safety, and coordinate emergency measures when required.

For further information, see the following Web pages