Behaviour in the event of a nuclear accident: survey demonstrates confidence in civil protection, especially among well-informed individuals

In light of current wars and conflicts, over half the population is concerned about a possible war-related accident at a nuclear power station or the use of nuclear weapons. Only a minority know how to behave in such cases. However, there is a high level of willingness to follow government instructions, as shown in the study "What does Germany think about radiation?", which was carried out on behalf of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) and the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS). The survey involved conducting 2,002 telephone interviews with people aged 16 and over across Germany.

What does Germany think about radiation 2024

Study participants were also asked how they would react in the event of a fictitious accident involving radioactive material. According to the results, 87% of those surveyed would stay in the house if ordered to do so by the civil protection authorities. However, whether this intention endures is closely related to the behaviour of one's social environment, i.e. the neighbours and one's own family.

If the scenario is expanded such that the neighbours pack their cars and drive away, the willingness to stay in the house drops to 74%. If family or friends were to ask to leave together, only 49% would follow the instructions of the civil protection authorities. According to the survey, those who feel well or very well informed, or well or very well protected by the state, are more prepared to adhere to the requirements of the authorities in all scenarios.

Dr Inge Paulini

Involve the population in future exercises

"Two things are clear from the survey results," says BfS President Inge Paulini. "The greater the social pressure, the less willing people are to follow government instructions and recommendations in the event of a nuclear emergency. The greater the confidence in state institutions and the better a person feels they are informed, the more likely they are to make a decision independently of the behaviour of their social environment and to be a role model for the actions of others. Emergency planning needs to take greater account of this finding and promote civil society as allies."

"Effective protection in the event of a nuclear accident is only possible if members of the general public cooperate in their own protection," adds Paulini. "Transparent and comprehensible information is a key part of this. That includes knowing what to do in an emergency. Civil protection exercises with the population can be a key component in making protective measures and their effects tangible and in boosting confidence. In future, existing official training concepts should therefore take greater account of how the population can also be involved."

More people feel well informed by the state

Comprehensible information is important not only for nuclear emergencies but also for radiation issues in general. Progress has been made in this regard: whereas 31% of respondents felt well or very well informed by state radiation protection institutions according to the previous study two years ago, this figure has risen to 40% in the new survey. A comparison of the sexes shows that significantly more men than women have the impression of being well informed by the state (44% of men and 35% of women).

The fact that citizens want more information on radiation topics is made clear by both the 2022 and 2024 studies. In the current survey, greater education and information is the most frequently cited proposal for improving protection against all kinds of radiation for people who, so far, do not feel well protected.

In both 2024 and 2022, the greatest trust in radiation protection is seen in the field of medicine. In medical applications of radiation, 81% of respondents feel well or very well protected by the state. Doctors are trusted by 74% of people when it comes to carrying out an X-ray examination. At the same time, a majority of 61% state that they will ultimately make their own decision regarding examinations that involve radiation exposure.

Avoid the sun, look for shade

Many people now have greater awareness of UV protection: more people are protecting themselves from ultraviolet radiation by avoiding prolonged periods of time in the sun. Two years ago, 76% of respondents said they always or sometimes did so, and this figure has risen to 82% in the 2024 survey. According to the study, climate change has also played a role in this greater awareness. However, the survey also identifies serious misconceptions: over a quarter (27%) of study participants consider a certain level of tanning by the sun or in solariums to be healthy. In reality, tanning means that the skin is already damaged.

There are still large gaps in education regarding radon – a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can enter residential and other buildings. Although radon is one of the most important causes of lung cancer, 94% of study participants say they have so far done nothing to protect themselves against this indoor pollutant.

About the study

The study involved conducting telephone interviews with 2,002 people from May to July 2024. The survey is representative of the German-speaking resident population aged 16 and over. Previously, in February and March 2024, two group discussions and 40 individual interviews were conducted. After the studies of 2019 and 2022, this is the third survey of attitudes and knowledge regarding radiation on behalf of the BfS.

The study was carried out by the Gesellschaft für Innovative Marktforschung (GIM) and funded by the BMUV under the funding code 2623S72213. Its results are published in the BfS's Digital Online Repository and Information System (DORIS).