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Baldwin Seeks Radioactivity Tests
Baldwin Seeks Radioactivity Tests
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP) - Alec Baldwin is asking county
lawmakers for at least $50,000 to help fund a project that tests
baby teeth for levels of a radioactive isotope.
The actor made his request Thursday before a committee of the
Westchester County Legislature.
``This contamination is the result of a government program and
therefore the government should pay for the research to determine
the level of contamination in the community,'' he said.
The Tooth Fairy Project tests baby teeth for strontium-90, known
as a byproduct of nuclear explosions. Baldwin's organization, the
Radiation and Public Health Project, believes the isotope is being
emitted at dangerous levels from nuclear power plants, including
Indian Point plants in Westchester.
They say studies show the higher the level of strontium-90 in baby
teeth, the greater their risk of developing cancer before age 5.
The nuclear industry and some scientists dispute the claims.
``We know that there isn't enough strontium released from plants to
do the sort of things that they're talking about,'' said Carl Patrick,
spokesman for the state Power Authority, which operates one of
the Indian Point plants. ``We also know that strontium in people's
teeth comes basically from dairy products and produce.''
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Sandy Perle Tel:(714) 545-0100 / (800) 548-5100
Director, Technical Extension 2306
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Service Fax:(714) 668-3149
ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc. E-Mail: sandyfl@earthlink.net
ICN Plaza, 3300 Hyland Avenue E-Mail: sperle@icnpharm.com
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Personal Website: http://sandyfl.nukeworker.net
ICN Worldwide Dosimetry Website: http://www.dosimetry.com
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