Radioactive Repercussions

According to environmental activists from groups like MAUP, radioactive waste deposited in ponds is responsible for the health problems in the region. Tailings are carried from the mine through pipelines and pumped into three tailings ponds. Although they are treated with lime and barium chloride to neutralise radon, a radioactive gas released from rocks when uranium ore is extracted, it is believed that they are still radioactive. India's Atomic Energy Act states that no one should live within five kilometres of tailings ponds, but in Jaduguda, seven villages lie within one and a half kilometres of the ponds. Women and children bathe there and the water seeps into surrounding rice paddies. Residents also complain that one of the ponds often floods, forcing people and cattle to wade through it.

The UCIL, however, denies that these health problems are caused by exposure to radiation. In 1998, they carried out a health survey led by prominent doctors and radiologists who concluded that the cases they examined were affected by factors such as malnutrition, malarial infections and congenital anomalies which could not be ascribed to radioactivity. They also claim that the level of radiation in the tailings pond is equivalent to that of the surrounding environment and that the pond is fenced off as a precautionary measure.

The mines will bring new jobs and boost the region's economy but for mine workers there are even more serious health risks than for ordinary residents. Miners face a high risk of developing lung cancer by inhaling alpha particles that are emitted from radon. Although alpha particles are too large to penetrate through skin, they can be inhaled and cause damage to internal organs. If the damage occurs within the generative cells of the ovaries or testes, it can be passed on to the miners' offspring.

In India, many people believe that nuclear energy is the way forward, as it is a cleaner and more economical alternative to fossil fuels. Although there are many potential benefits, it seems like there is still much work to be done to prove to locals that they won't bear the brunt of the consequences.

For more info:

Uranium Crisis
http://www.flonnet.com/fl2227/stories/20060113000806000.htm

India to set up new uranium mines
http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/index.html?http://www10.antenna.nl/wise/595/5553.php

Press Release Movement Against Uranium Project, Hyderabad, India
http://www.minesandcommunities.org/Action/press546.htm