Impacts of Nuclear Energy on Workers and Environment

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

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Findings

8. Findings

9. 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).

10. 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 R6000 by post claiming to be compensations

11. 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

12. 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.