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" effects of long-term, low dose radiation exposure " at Rossing mine
posted at URL
http://www.rossing.com/bulletpress05.htm
BULLETIN BOARD
PRESS RELEASES & BRIEFING NOTES
RÖSSING/MUN MEDIA RELEASE
Verification study refutes Dr Zaire's findings
On 22 June 2000 Drs Lloyd and Lucas, the two international experts appointed
by Rössing Uranium Ltd and the branch executive of the Mineworkers Union of
Namibia (MUN), announced in Windhoek the results of the Verification Study
on the effects of long-term, low dose radiation exposure.
The purpose of the study was to confirm or refute the study findings on
radiation exposure of Dr Reinhard Zaire, the retained expert of the MUN. Dr
Zaire's findings suggested that there was a high incidence of chromosomal
aberrations among Rössing employees due to long-term, low dose radiation
exposure. The experts refuted Dr Zaire's findings and stated in the report:
"The overall conclusion is that the frequency of chromosomal damage in the
miners did not exceed that in the control subjects. This verification study
has therefore not confirmed the earlier report of Dr Zaire and his
colleagues."
In responding to questions at the end of the presentation, the experts
emphasised that there were always risks associated with radiation exposure.
Although the levels of radiation at Rössing were extremely low, employees
must always follow the established standard procedures.
Commenting on the results Rössing Management said: "The results confirmed
that our health, safety and environment monitoring systems are working and
do not miss anything. This does not mean that we must in any way be
complacent. On the contrary our aim in all areas of the operation is to
strive to operate to the best standards in the industry."
Chairman of the local branch of the MUN, Erich Beukes, said: " The Union, as
a responsible leader of the workers, is concerned about the health of its
members. It is internationally recognised that there are occupational
related diseases in a workplace and the Company should now identify and
focus on these diseases."
The Ministry of Health and Social Services approved a study protocol in
compliance with Namibian requirements for a study of this type. The
honourable Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Libertine Amathila,
and Under-Secretary Dr Nestor Shivute were present at the announcement of
the results.
In order to satisfy the research requirements of the Government of the
United States, an Institutional Review Board (IRB) was established to
oversee the implementation of the study, which was conducted over a period
of two years.
To implement the study, blood samples were obtained from two groups, namely
the study group and the control group. The study group consisted of ten
Rössing employees with the highest accumulated radiation dose, and the
control group of ten individuals from communities at the coast with no
connection to Rössing. All participants were screened for suitability to
participate in the study according to the selection criteria prescribed by
the two experts and agreed by the Rössing and the MUN.
The two experts are leaders in the field of radiation research and experts
in the same FISH technique that Dr Zaire applied in his studies. Dr David
Lloyd is of the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) based in the
United Kingdom and Dr Joe Lucas, one of the four scientists who developed
the FISH method at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in the
United States of America. The use of their two independent laboratories was
to ensure the reliability of the research findings.
Rössing and the MUN believe that the well-being of all employees is a key
priority to the success of the company and that any possible impact of any
aspect of the operation on employees' health must be fully investigated.
This study was therefore commissioned in support of this position.
The next step for the two experts will be to get the report published in
scientific journals. Prior to publishing, scientific peer review will take
place.
Dr Zaire, who also attended the announcement of the study results in
Windhoek, indicated that he and his scientific colleagues would only be in a
position to comment on the results once these have been published in open
literature.
Editor's Note:
The Institutional Review Board (IRB), established in June 1998, consisted of
the following members:
Name Title Institution
Mr Asser Kapere Regional Governor (job title as at June '98)
Clr Sam Nuuyoma Mayor of Swakopmund (job title as at June
'98)
Dr Wotan Swiegers General Practitioner
Dr Norbert Forster Ministry of Health & Social Services
Mr Elias Manga Headmaster Swakopmund Secondary School
Mr Herman Kinghorn Legal Practitioner
Mrs Leonie Rencs Teachers' Resource Centre
Mrs Beverly Figaji UNAIDS Counselling Support Project
Mr Pieter Hamman Former Analytical Chemist
Mr Elsje Winckler Medical Laboratory Services, Swakopmund
ˇ Issued on behalf of Rössing and MUN by:
Maggi Barnard
Senior Communications Officer - Rössing Mine
Tel. 064 - 5202249
Fax: 064 - 522032
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
and at URL
http://www.namibian.com.na/Netstories/2000/July/News/008C4E6DD0.html
Monday, July 3, 2000 - Web posted at 8:26:48 GMT
New inquiry repudiates claims against Rossing
CHRISTOF MALETSKY
URANIUM giants Rossing Uranium said on Friday that a study which levels
serious health allegations against the company is faulty.
Two years ago Dr Reinhardt Zaire claimed that Rossing's operation at Arandis
was causing severe health problems for mine employees and their families.
He said the workers and their families were exposed to dangerous long-term
doses of low-level radiation with major implications for the genetic health
of their communities and nation.
An independent study by two international experts - jointly appointed by the
company and the Mineworkers' Union of Namibia - refuted Zaire's findings.
It states that the frequency of chromosomal damage in the miners did not
exceed that in the control subjects.
"This verification study has therefore not confirmed the earlier report of
Dr Zaire and his colleagues," said Dr David Lloyd of the National
Radiological Protection Board in the UK and Dr Joe Lucas of the US.
Responding to questions at the end of their presentation on the study, the
experts emphasised that there were always risks associated with radiation
exposure.
Although the levels of radiation at Rossing were extremely low, employees
should always follow established standard procedures, they said.
Rossing management said the results confirmed that their health, safety and
environment monitoring systems were working and did not miss anything.
But, they added, it did not mean that the company should in any way be
complacent but strive to operate to the best standards in the industry.
The study was done taking blood samples obtained from two groups, namely 10
Rossing employees with the highest accumulated radiation dose and 10
individuals from communities at the coast with no connection to Rossing.
All participants were screened for suitability according to the selection
criteria prescribed by the two experts and agreed on by Rossing and MUN.
An Independent Review Body (IRB) composed of members of the local community
was established to serve as an independent check on proceedings.
Dr Zaire, who was present at the announcement of the study results in
Windhoek, indicated that he and his scientific colleagues would only be in a
position to comment once the results had been published in open literature.
The next step for Lucas and Lloyd will be to get the report published in
scientific journals. Prior to publishing, scientific peer review will take
place.
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