Impacts of Nuclear Energy on Workers and Environment

Impacts of Nuclear Energy on Workers and Environment Presented by Mashile Phalane Johannesburg

Purpose To open the Nuclear debate/Vulindaba n To enforce proper regulations on health and environment with reference NEMA and constitutions n To request for government commission of enquiry on illness as there is pattern. n

Introduction In S. A Nuclear industry operated in complete secrecy in its 40 years, resulting in a legacy of self regulatory institutions that damages human life and dignity of the workers and their families. n Providing a better life for all and well-being of our workers, becomes a core value in our discussion today. n

Why health and environment n Nuclear industry has clear history of controversy and suppression of evidence in the health effects ( Dr. J Goffman, Dr A. Tamplin) n Industry records of emissions and workers health may in any case not be very good, complete and reliable

Health impacts Uranium radio-activity causes high exposure: death, blood cancer, Gastrointestinal disorders, bacteria infections, hemorrhaging, anemia, loss of blood fluids, electrolyte imbalance, Leukemia and defects. n

Findings More than 500 workers are requesting medical records and more enquiring are being received everyday n 208 workers undergone medical test n 56 workers need specialized medical test like lung functions, blood counts and etc. n Two work related deaths n 11 definite radiation illness n

Findings Mabotha, L Leukemia/Canc er Bodenstein Cancer/Myetom a J, Van Resnburg Uranium Hexa Fluoride Exposure Lebepe, JR COAD/LUNDS Painter Chauke, CG labour COAD/Lungs Maintanance Senior Maintenance labour

Findings Malatjie Prostate cancer Fitter&turner Mcephe, J COAD labour Dippenaar, MC Ashma administrator Otto, B Skin cancer Safari operator Duplesis Skin cancer maintenance Jaca, S Grave Disease maintenance

Findings (DEATH) n n n Young University graduate Victor Motha died as a result of inhaling a fluorgas in 2001 H. R Daniels a NECSA security guards died on cancer illness as result of evacuation On 7 August 1986, two people died and two were injured at NECSA’s Pelindaba Z-plant as a result of fire caused by flammable wax-polish (reported by Argone National Laboratory).

Revelation of Victor Motha’Death He died after gas inhalation with 2 other people. The minister promised the family that she will leave no stone unturned, by two investigation Necsa& labour. No Reports so far After M&G revealed this, the family received R 6000 by post claiming to be compensations

Interesting cases n n n Mr Sipho Jaca, as diagnosed by Kalafong hospital for exposure to uranium –isotopes and develop grave disease Mr Ben Otto as Senior Safari reactor operator. In 1988 the reactor was leaking Ben and others were repairing highly radio-active reactor. Mr Daniels, as security guards not involve with radiation but become sick due to radiation illness

Recommendations The committee must develop policy interventions by separating NNR from DME n Set-up epidemiology requirements before constructing nuclear power n Set-up commission of enquiry on workers illness. n