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| Press Releases 14 April 2005: Neutron radiation in Port Hope Download this press release in Word Format Subject: Neutron radiation in Port Hope All media: For immediate release: CNSC asked to investigate neutron radiation in Port Hope PORT HOPE – Canada’s nuclear regulator needs to investigate evidence of dangerous neutron radiation in Port Hope, plus elevated levels of gamma radiation in public areas near Cameco’s plant, two citizen’s groups have asked. The Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee (PHCHCC) and Families Against Radiation Exposure (F.A.R.E.) today released a letter they sent to Linda Keen, chair and CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Their letter expresses concern that nothing has been done since the evidence was presented to the CNSC in February. The two groups also issued a press release on Feb. 21, alerting the public that neutron radiation had been detected for the first time at Cameco. In the letter to Keen, they asked the CNSC to investigate, and release the results publicly in Port Hope. “Why is there neutron radiation in Port Hope?” the letter asks. “What is the source material and what are the levels?” Cameco makes no mention of neutron radiation in any reports it makes to the CNSC, even though the company dismissed the groups’ concerns in February by saying it is aware of the existence of neutron radiation in Port Hope. The letter to Keen asks: “Has the CNSC formally approved neutron radiation in Port Hope and if so, please provide the documents stating that approval, the levels and locations approved.” Cameco’s website says that neutron radiation is hardly ever found outside nuclear reactors. It is 20 times more dangerous than gamma radiation because it can easily transfer invisible cell-destroying ionizing particles into the human body. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists neutron radiation as a “known human carcinogen,” saying it can cause many types of cancer, including leukemia and breast, colon and lung cancer. Although neutron radiation must be shielded by a metre of reinforced concrete to avoid harming humans, it was detected on December 11, 2004, by staff of the Uranium Medical Research Centre who accompanied members of PHCHCC and F.A.R.E. to a public parking area at Cameco’s plant. Neutron radiation was detected 20 metres away from a flatbed truck carrying two large containers, which appeared to be uranium hexafluoride (UF6). “Our organizations are alarmed at this finding,” the letter to Keen says. On the same day, high levels of gamma radiation were recorded by UMRC staff on a public sidewalk beside the Cameco plant. These radiation levels were reported to be higher than those measured in Baghdad after coalition forces used weapons made with depleted uranium in the first gulf war. “What action is the CNSC taking to protect the people of Port Hope, workers and non-workers, from elevated gamma radiation in public areas?” the letter asks. It calls for the establishment of an air monitoring program to capture and measure airborne radioactive fallout in the town. Contacts: Faye More, PHCHCC 905-885-7991 John Miller, F.A.R.E. 905-885-5553 | Scary map shows how much Cameco pollutes harbour CNSC says it must stop before low-level clean-up Does the CNSC believe THIS?? It appears to go against new scientific wisdom CNSC mystery: Was it qualified to say we're safe? Refuses to release qualifications of experts East Beach park contaminated with uranium No one is concerned Cameco lied: CNSC orders it to fix pipe Treatment systems "do not conform" Mayor's views on W-FIVE show are inaccurate Why do Health Canada, CNSC refuse comment? Write in to stop Cameco reopening polluting plant Make them clean up huge uranium spill More and more lies: Cameco's clean-up branded 'deficient' CNSC documents show lots more may be wrong  What we want regulator do do Full clean-up needed of leaking uranium Dust emissions top our concerns No targets or plan to curtail uranium Too expensive to clean up all of our waste? We need explanations of delays, extra costs FARE has issues with SEU plans at Zircatec Questions filed to CNSC concerning EA screening Zircatec gets blank cheque from CNSC No mention of concerns registered by FARE Rubber stamp for Zircatec and Cameco CNSC ignores concerns of nearly 300 intervenors Here we go again: CNSC fast-tracks SEU assessment CNSC changes rules to limit public input Evening Guide guilty on "sitting on sidelines" Panders to big advertiser instead of serving people FARE wins Canadian Environment Award Praised for stopping SEU and accurate research Uranium dioxide: We've found proof that it can burn Despite Cameco's claims, its own records don't lie How to register as an intervenor for Oct. 20 hearing CNSC coming to Port Hope and they'll hear an earful Poll: 78 percent of us want a panel review Council gets details of new public opinion poll: More oppose SEU than favour it "Reckless disregard" on fire protection Documents show how CNSC dropped the ball, and why we need a panel review FARE asks 44 questions about CNSC draft report Expects them to be answered before environmental hearings 3 groups demand independent review of SEU May 19 press conference held at Port Hope harbour 3 May 2005 - CNSC response to questions about neutron radiation Press Release 14 April 2005: Questions about Neutron Radiation 30 March 2005: Response from CNSC to FARE letter 26 March 2005: Letter from FARE to Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 22 July 2004: Media Release (As read by John Morand) 22 July 2004: Research Sub Committee Statement - read by Patrick McNamara | |||||
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