Uranium is In Fact a Dangerous Material

From a Canadian (New Brunswick) blog:

April 2, 2008

Regarding the article Monday in the Times & Transcript, “How dangerous is uranium?”, Charlie Jefferson, the geologist, is not in tune the speakers at the Capitol Theatre on uranium exploration and mining.

We know, Charlie, alpha rays do not penetrate the skin from the outside. We are talking about “ingestion.”

Consumed, breathed or in a liquid, that’s when an alpha particle does damage, especially to children. Their cells are still dividing.

We are aware that drilling has a minimal risk of exposure, but talk to the Fontains or the families in Penobsquis. Drilling does damage drinking sources. The land owner is the only one taking the risk.

If a bore hole is not cased to the source, it can easily cross contaminate other water sources.

Uranium in other provinces is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment. In New Brunswick, it the Department of Natural Resources (different agenda).

Yes all properties that have been staked for uranium should have their basements checked for radon gas. My basement has 1,380 bequrils. The new limit is 800; it used to be 300 until recently. So instead of ventilating my basement I will wait until the acceptable levels are raised!

Tritium, a radioactive hydrogen isotope with a half life of 12 years is having its maximum allowable limit raised to 7,000 parts per million, compared to highest acceptable level in the U.S. of 110 parts per million (not a typo).

So, Charlie, I suppose we don’t have anything to worry about if we just keep lowering our standards.

As for hydrogeology, this requires lots of ground water. Uranium is the same element it was 40 years ago. With hydrogeology it creates a heavy metal lagoon. Yes, it rains here! A flash flood, and it has happened, would ruin our water for life.

We export 85 per cent of the uranium we produce, so why take the chance. Oh, that’s right, the Liberals are gamblers.

Facts:

- The company on our watershed is still in litigation with the town of Sudbury for a 1994 polluted river.

- Residual heavy metals have ruined water for life.

- Exploration has ruined land owners’ water supply.

- The land owner takes the risk.

- Radon gas is the number two cause of lung cancer.

- DNR doesn’t have the resources to monitor the drilling operations.

Would you tell on you?

Obviously there is a reckless disregard for the health of the people. We elected government to serve our well being. There is a one in 1,000 to a one in 10,000 chance of having a mine.

Ever have that feeling you were going to win a lotto?

Mike Milligan

Candidate for Beauséjour Green Party,

Shediac River

http://nuclearfreenb.org/2008/04/02/uranium-is-in-fact-a-dangerous-materia/