What are the most plausible potential health effects in Port Hope associated with the nuclear industry?
A11. Lung cancer, bone cancer and kidney disease are the most plausible (although unlikely) potential health effects in Port Hope residents and nuclear workers. This is based on an assessment of environmental contaminants present in the community, existing scientific understanding of the toxicological and radiological properties of contaminants, their known health effects, and their levels of exposure within the community and workplace. • Lung cancer: Radon and its decay products, and long-lived radioactive dust (uranium dioxide/UO2) are known to cause lung cancer. No other cancer or other disease is known to be associated with these types of radiation. • Bone cancer: Radium at very high levels (above 10 Sv) can increase the risk of bone cancer. • Kidney disease: Uranium at very high levels can cause kidney disease in animal experiments. High levels of uranium can cause changes to kidney cells, which are largely reversible, in humans. No human cancer or any type of genetic effect has e
Related Questions
- Why were certain diseases associated with the contaminants of concern in Port Hope considered to be implausible health effects of the Port Hope nuclear industry?
- What are the potential health effects associated with high levels of uranium in drinking water?
- Is the industry doing anything about the potential health effects to workers?
