Objective To study the effect on the environmental radioactivity level and the health of the residents in Shanghai when Qinshan Nuclear Power Station(QNPS) has been in normal operational condition for 17 years. Methods The field monitoring and the sampling analytical method were used for monitoring the radioactivity level in outdoor environment, drinking water, food and soil. Results The outdoor natural radiation level and the radioactivity level in the sample of the environmental media were on the normal background level. There was no distinct change in the environmental radiation level of Jinshan Area when QNPS was in normal operational condition. The radioactivity level in the environmental media was far lower than the limit values specified by the national standard GB. The effective dose of the outdoor natural external exposure for the residents is about 0.102 mSv/a and the effective dose of the internal exposure from the artificial radionuclides 90Sr and 137Cs in food for the residents is about 0.488 μSv/a. Conclusions There is no effect of the radioactive contamination on the environmental radioactivity level and the health of the residents in Shanghai when QNPS has been in normal operational condition for 17 years.