The Feb. 19 Advocate included a Canadian Press report of an incident at the Bruce nuclear power plant in which 195 workers refurbishing a reactor last year were possibly exposed to low levels of alpha particles.
The extremely sensitive radiation monitors all personnel in such facilities must carry showed that the 14 most-at-risk workers had exposure levels that are less than half the safe limit set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. These monitors record both peak and cumulated levels of exposure to radiation.
Other reports indicate that half of the workers being tested showed no detectable level of exposure to radiation. Alpha particles have very low penetrating capabilities, indeed unbroken skin will stop them; but they should not be inhaled as that would have some potential to cause future health problems.
It is almost difficult to believe that this is the same incident that Lee Giles described as a Canadian nuclear accident involving over 200 personnel in his recently published annual anti-nuclear rant. When will Giles begin to do some proper research for his editorials?
The nuclear industry defines incidents and accidents very differently. Accidents are very serious! An editorial writer should know that; and if Giles did but chose just to mislead and scare-monger for his own political purposes, he needs a new job. We deserve honesty and objectivity from our editors.
Nuclear power has an excellent safety record, unless facilities are built and maintained to Soviet Bloc standards. It is safe, reliable, environmentally clean and has a small physical footprint. It would be ideal for Alberta.
Visit a plant in Ontario. Check the records concerning the numerous other plants in Japan, France and the U.S.A. Learn the facts, then decide.
Fred Brittain
Red Deer