Doctors at a parliamentary nuclear briefing have warned that there is no safe level of radiation from a proposed network of nuclear reactors in Australia, citing long-term health risks for workers and surrounding communities.
Studies have shown increased cancer risks and other health issues for those living near reactors.
Public health experts emphasised the need for renewable energy sources like wind and solar to avoid the health risks associated with both nuclear and fossil fuels. The ethical argument is made for choosing the least water-intensive energy sources, especially during droughts.
Dr Kate Wylie, ED of Doctors for the Environment Australia, said prolonging the dependency on fossil fuels in the meantime would mean more Australians would be affected by health risks they posed, including increased rates of asthma.
Read the full article in the Canberra Times
This was also syndicated to other regional mastheads:
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Yahoo)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Illawarra Mercury)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Newcastle Herald)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Kalgoorlie Miner)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Michael West Media)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Bendigo Advertiser)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Perth Now)
Doctors fear health fallout from nuclear energy plans (AAP/Tas Examiner)