Ambient office = 72 nanosieverts per hour

Ambient outside = 87 nanosieverts per hour

Soil exposed to rain water = 91 nanosieverts per hour

Avocado from Central Market = 93 nanosieverts per hour

Tap water = 116 nanosieverts per hour

Filter water = 104 nanosieverts per hour

Ambient office = 87 nanosieverts per hour

Ambient outside = 165 nanosieverts per hour

Soil exposed to rain water = 167 nanosieverts per hour

Tomato from Central Market = 115 nanosieverts per hour

Tap water = 94 nanosieverts per hour

Filter water = 87 nanosieverts per hour

Dover Sole from Central = 104 nanosieverts per hour

     A device which uses energy from the decay of a radioactive isotope to generate electricity is referred to as an atomic battery, nuclear battery, radioisotope battery or radioisotope generator. They are not nuclear reactors because although they generate electricity from nuclear energy, they differ in that they do not use a chain reaction. Although they are commonly called batteries, they are technically not electrochemical and cannot be charged or recharged. They were very expensive but have an extremely long life and high energy density. They are typically used as power sources for equipment that must operate unattended for long periods of time. Nuclear battery technology development began in 1913. There was a great deal of research for space applications in the 1950s and 1960s.
     There are two types of nuclear batteries. The first type is called a radioisotope thermoelectric generator. These batteries convert some of the heat from radioactive decay to electricity. Scientists in the Soviet Union and United States developed the technology for use in spacecraft, underwater systems and remote scientific stations.   However, these thermonuclear batteries were both costly and bulky.
     The second type of nuclear battery is a non-thermal converter that extracts electricity directly from emitted radiation. They are easier to miniaturize and so are applicable to small-scale applications. A popular version is called a betavoltaic battery. Betavoltaic batteries have an efficiency as high as eight percent. City Labs is currently selling a tiny tritium-based betavoltaic.

     A Chinese startup has announced a new nuclear battery that it claims can generate electricity for 50 years without the need for charging or maintenance. Beijing-based Betavolt claims that its nuclear battery is one of the first in the world to realize the miniaturization of atomic energy, placing nuclear isotopes into a module smaller than a coin. The company said its next-generation battery had already entered the pilot testing stage. It will eventually be mass produced for commercial applications like phones and drones.
     The company said in a press release that “Betavolt atomic energy batteries can meet the needs of long-lasting power supply in multiple scenarios, such as aerospace, AI equipment, medical equipment, microprocessors, advanced sensors, small drones and micro-robots. This new energy innovation will help China gain a leading edge in the new round of the AI technological revolution.”
     The quest to miniaturize and commercialize nuclear batteries was taken up under China’s 14th Five-Year Plan designed to strengthen the country’s economy between 2021 and 2025. Research institutions in the US and Europe have also been working on their development.
     Betavolt said its first nuclear battery can supply one hundred microwatts of power and at a voltage of 3V. It measures 15x15x5 cubic millimeters. Betavolt plans to produce a battery with 1 watt of power by 2025. The small size of the battery indicates that it could be used in series to produce more power. The company envisions mobile phones that never need to be charged and drones that can fly forever. The layered design also means that the battery will not catch fire or explode in response to sudden force. It is also capable of working in temperatures ranging from -60C to 120C. The radioactive isotope in the battery is Nickel-63.
     The company said, “The atomic energy battery developed by Betavolt is absolutely safe, has no external radiation, and is suitable for use in medical devices such as pacemakers, artificial hearts and cochleas in the human body. Atomic energy batteries are environmentally friendly. Following the decay period, the isotopes turn into a stable isotope of copper, which is non-radioactive and does not pose any threat or pollution to the environment.

Ambient office = 104 nanosieverts per hour

Ambient outside = 93 nanosieverts per hour

Soil exposed to rain water = 94 nanosieverts per hour

Red bell pepper from Central Market = 103 nanosieverts per hour

Tap water = 86 nanosieverts per hour

Filter water = 73 nanosieverts per hour

     Yesterday, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the CNSC’s decision to amend the nuclear research and test establishment operating license held by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) for Chalk River Laboratories. The amendment authorizes the construction of a near surface disposal facility (NSDF) on the Chalk River Laboratories site, which is located in Deep River, Ontario. It is also on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg peoples.
     Before making its licensing decision under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), the CNSC concluded that, under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (EAA), the NSDF Project is not likely to cause significant adverse effects on the environment. In order for this to be true, it will be necessary for the CNL to implement all proposed mitigation and follow-up monitoring measures, including continued engagement with Indigenous Nations and communities and environmental monitoring to verify the predictions of the environmental assessment (EA). The CNSC also decided that the design of the NSDF Project is robust. It is supported by a strong safety case, able to meet its required design life, and sufficient to withstand severe weather events, seismic activity, and the effects of climate change.
     The CNSC gave careful consideration to all submissions received throughout the multi-year regulatory review and hearing process, which began in 2016. As a nuclear power lifecycle regulator, the CNSC focuses on continuous engagement and consultation with Indigenous Nations before, during and after CNSC proceedings for CNSC activities. This includes collaboratively drafting rights impacts assessments with Indigenous Nations and communities, and consulting on mitigation measures to help reduce any potential impacts of the NSDF Project.
     The CNSC was satisfied that it had carried out its constitutional responsibility to consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous rights with respect to its decision making on the NSDF Project.
     In making its EA decision, the CNSC concluded that the NSDF Project is protective of human health and the environment. It includes the Ottawa River, and the proposed site is an acceptable and safe location for the NSDF Project.
      The CNSC ruled that the site selection and NSDF design are in alignment with International Atomic Energy Agency standards. Additional information about the EA decision can be accessed in the Backgrounder document, as well as in the full record of their decision.
     With this decision, the CNSC amended CNL’s nuclear research and test establishment operating license for Chalk River Laboratories to authorize the construction of a near surface disposal facility (NSF). The amended nuclear research and test establishment operating license will still be valid until March 31, 2028.
     The record of the CNSC’s decision is available in both official languages on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca. It is also available upon request to the CNSC Registry at [email protected]. Transcripts of the hearing submissions are also available on the CNSC website.
• Backgrounder
• Media Kit
• CNSC oversight of Chalk River Laboratories
• Information about the CNSC’s review of the NSDF Project
• Submissions for Part 1 of the hearing, Part 2 of the hearing, and the hearing for final oral submissions
• Archived recordings of Part 1 of the hearing, Part 2 of the hearing, and the hearing for final oral submissions

Ambient office = 114 nanosieverts per hour

Ambient outside = 159 nanosieverts per hour

Soil exposed to rain water = 159 nanosieverts per hour

Greeb onion from Central Market = 73 nanosieverts per hour

Tap water = 100 nanosieverts per hour

Filter water = 90 nanosieverts per hour