Uranium Concentrations In Port Hope, Ontario

Main Category: Radiology / Nuclear Medicine
Also Included In: Public Health
Article Date: 12 Dec 2007 - 4:00 PDT

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Uranium has been refined in Port Hope, Ontario, since the early 1930s. In 2007, the Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee (PHCHCC) analyzed samples, taken from residents, to assess the radiation exposure of individuals living in the area.

Health Canada's analysis of the results from the study show that the uranium concentrations in the samples of nine Port Hope residents are within the range of natural levels and that these levels pose no health hazard. This interpretation differs from that of the PHCHCC.

The results of the study are also consistent with those of Health Canada, which continues to monitor uranium in the environment and in workers who are residents of the Port Hope area. In all of these measurements the concentrations fall within the natural range of values found in other communities in Canada.

The major health effect associated with uranium exposure is kidney damage. This effect only occurs at high concentrations, hundreds to thousands times greater than the low levels found to date in Port Hope.

In March of 2001, the Government of Canada began a 10-year, $260-million initiative to develop a long-term management solution for the situation in Port Hope. The Low Level Radioactive Waste Management Office of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited is managing this initiative.

Health Canada officials will assess the full report from the Committee when they receive it and will continue to work to protect the health and safety of Port Hope residents.

Health Canada