Doctors speak out against uranium mining

By Anne Pavy

PERTH-- “The ALP is poised to determine the future of uranium mining in Australia. This represents a critical moment in Australia's history with very serious implications for health”, said Dr Harry Cohen.

Cohen is national president of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW). He spoke at a media conference along with two other eminent Perth physicians, Alfred Grauaug and Steve Proud, on September 8.

The doctors expressed their concerns about the national and global health implications of Australian uranium mining.

Dr Cohen was worried about the effects mining of radioactive elements have on the health of workers and their families. A South Australian Health Commission report showed that the incidence of leukemia in the children of uranium workers is 1 in 200, 10 times the national average.

Dr Proud said that uranium mining is an environmental hazard. At Roxby Downs, radioactive waste has leaked out of the tailings dam, contaminating the ground water. Radioactive dust can also become airborne and cause contamination of townships, pastures, livestock and other foodstuffs.

The environmental and health dangers could rise dramatically if a loosening of federal legislation led to mines opening in an uncontrolled manner. Many remote communities could have their water supplies made unsafe.

Dr Proud urged the union movement, pastoralists and remote communities to oppose a change in the government's uranium mining policy.

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