China's nuclear projects no harm to public health

China's new inland nuclear power projects will not see a Fukushima-style nuclear disaster and are unlikely to affect public health, according to a new study.

The study, conducted by more than 50 experts organized by China Nuclear Energy Association, focused on safety issues on nuclear projects that China is planning to build in its inland provinces. The report was revealed on May 31.

Drinking water sources in the river's lower stream can be protected since the location of a nuclear plant is carefully chosen, said the study, addressing the concerns over drinking - which in the case of radioactive polluted water leaking - can be stocked, processed and segregated from the drinking water sources.

The public overreacted to the radiation scare caused by a nuclear plant, said Mao Yawe, an expert with the China Nuclear Power Engineering Co. "Passengers can receive the dose of five microsieverts per hour on a plane, but it's the amount the residents near a nuclear plant can possibly receive at most per year, " said Mao.

The Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan following the massive tsunami in March, 2011 aroused public concerns and controversy on inland nuclear plants.