Impacts of Nuclear Energy on Workers and EnvironmentPresented by Mashile Phalane

Johannesburg

Purpose To open the Nuclear debate/Vulindaba To enforce proper regulations on health

and environment with reference NEMA and constitutions

To request for government commission of enquiry on illness as there is pattern.

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.

Providing a better life for all and well-being of our workers, becomes a core value in our discussion today.

Why health and environment Nuclear industry has clear history of

controversy and suppression of evidence in the health effects ( Dr .J Goffman, Dr A.Tamplin)

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.

Findings More than 500 workers are requesting

medical records and more enquiring are being received everyday

208 workers undergone medical test 56 workers need specialized medical test

like lung functions, blood counts and etc. Two work related deaths 11 definite radiation illness

FindingsMabotha,L Leukemia/

CancerPainter

Bodenstein Cancer/Myetoma

Maintanance

J,Van Resnburg Uranium Hexa Fluoride Exposure

Senior Maintenance

Lebepe,JR COAD/LUNDS labour

Chauke,CG COAD/Lungs labour

FindingsMalatjie 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) 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’DeathHe 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 R6000 by post claiming to be compensations

Interesting cases 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 Set-up epidemiology requirements before

constructing nuclear power Set-up commission of enquiry on workers

illness.